A professor of music at the University of Laval for more than 40 years, Mr. Hétu leaves a lasting legacy as an educator and a musician. He was elected to the Royal Society of Canada and invested into the Order of Canada in recognition of his outstanding contribution to academic and musical excellence.
Internationally acclaimed as a composer of the greatest artistic calibre, Mr. Hétu's work is among the Canadian compositions most frequently performed abroad. On January 31, 2010, he was presented with the lifetime achievement award at the 13th Gala des Prix Opus, which celebrates performing, composing, musicological, producing and broadcasting excellence in Quebec concert music.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our Government, I extend my deepest sympathy to Mr. Hétu's family and friends.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
