OTTAWA, April 12, 2010 - It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Arnold Spohr, the former artistic director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. One of the most well-respected and loved figures in Canadian ballet, Mr. Spohr made a significant contribution to the richness of performing arts in Canada, and he will be deeply missed.
A native of Saskatchewan, Mr. Spohr began his career in 1945 as a dancer with the Winnipeg Ballet. In 1958, he took over as Artistic Director, and his creative vision and quest for excellence brought the Royal Winnipeg Ballet to new heights and positioned it on the international stage.
Mr. Spohr inspired performances appreciated by ballet lovers around the world. Under his guidance, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet launched its own school in 1962 and a separate professional training division in 1970.
In 1970, Mr. Spohr was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, for his contribution to the growth of ballet in Canada. Then in 2003, he was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada. In 1998, he received a Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I extend my deepest condolences to Arnold Spohr's family and friends. He will be remembered as a highly respected mentor who nurtured choreographers and dancers for many decades.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
