Conductor and Arts advocate Morna Edmundson (BMUS ’81) recognized with YWCA Women of Distinction Award-Arts, Culture & Design

Artistic Director of Elektra Women’s Choir, Administrative Director for MusicFest Vancouver and mother of two teenage daughters, Morna Edmundson is a busy woman. Earlier this month, Morna received the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, Arts, and Culture & Design, as testament to her hard work in the BC music scene.

Morna is one of Canada’s best-known conductors and has over 25 years of experience at the helm of choirs of all ages and voicings.  In 1987, Morna co-founded Elektra Women’s Choir with Diane Loomer BMUS’82, D.Litt’11 and Elektra is now regarded as a leading women’s choir nationally and internationally. According to Morna, the choir was recognized in the choral world because Elektra filled a gap in the quality of sound and repertoire for women’s voices.

“I feel honoured to be chosen in the company of such inspiring people in all categories,” said Morna.

Community engagement

When she isn’t working as the Artistic Director of Elektra, Morna is heavily involved in the Vancouver music community. One of her most notable commitments is with MusicFest Vancouver.

“MusicFest started in 2000 with 90 events over 17 days. Now there are 45 events in a tighter 10 days,” said Morna. “We rethink every year and respond to changes. We’ve built strong partnerships and developed an awareness of our core audience, what they value about the festival.  It’s certainly a summer highlight.”

Roots at UBC

“I attended UBC from 1976 to 1981 and changed my mind a few times about what I would focus on; I went from flute to arts to choral/vocal.  I had great teachers and was surrounded by others who shared my passion for choral music,” said Morna.

Morna has maintained close ties with UBC, as a Sessional Lecturer in music in the mid-1990s, attending concerts when she can, and most recently serving as a mentor for students in the UBC School of Music Tri-Mentoring Program.

In her small amount of free time, Morna likes geocaching, Sudoku puzzles and board games.

An Advocate for the Arts

Morna feels strongly about the value of the Arts. “[The Arts] take life from the ordinary to extraordinary – both for participants and observers.  It allows us to see and think about ourselves and our world differently, allows us to experience beauty, bring us into the experiences of others including those of different cultures and times.”

She strongly believes the Arts impacts the well-being of a community. “People who are actively engaged in the arts enjoy benefits to themselves as individuals and for society – empathy and observation, critical thinking, engaging with different stories and points of view, participating with others in something life-affirming,” said Morna.

“The more people there are who personally engage with the arts, the healthier society is,” she said.

About the YWCA Women of Distinction Award

Recognized nationally as one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for women, the YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Awards honour women whose outstanding achievements contribute to the well-being and future of our community. The Awards also honour businesses and organizations that support the wellness and diverse needs of their employees.

The Women of Distinction Awards began in 1984; since then YWCA Metro Vancouver has honoured over 200 deserving women and workplaces. View the 2011 recipients.

UBC has many connections to the YWCA Women of Distinction award for Arts and Culture. Previous winners include Anne Wheeler, adjunct professor in Film Production, Joy Coghill (BA’47, LL.D’95) who holds an honorary degree from UBC, alumna Diane Loomer (BMUS’82, D.Litt’11)  who also holds an honorary degree from UBC, and alumna Jane Heyman.