Music News

A gospel anthem written by Temeka Williams and performed by a socially distanced orchestra.

This year Professor Christina Petrowska Quilico was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada (C.M.). The award recognizes "her celebrated career as a classical and contemporary pianist, and for championing Canadian music", and it comes as a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions to Canadian musical heritage and her impactful career.

On Thursday December 10 our dean, Sarah Bay-Cheng, appeared as a guest on 88.9 RED FM to discuss the challenges facing art schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gursharan Kaur moved to Canada with her family at eight years old.  Her family has a rich history of music and teaching, and Kaur is bringing that tradition to her studies at York University. Today, she is a member of the York University Gospel Choir Leadership Team. We talked to her about her experiences.

I hope this message finds you healthy and safe as we all continue to endure the challenges of COVID-19. If you’re reading this, you’ve already achieved more than many thought possible.

I hope this message finds you and your families and communities in good health and spirits during the current circumstances. I know that the conditions necessitated by COVID-19 have lasted much longer than expected and I am grateful for your continued resilience and widespread generosity shown by people throughout AMPD over the past six months.

Another school year has come to an end, which means it is time to celebrate and send-off our graduating class as they prepare themselves for the next stage of their careers.

These are truly extraordinary circumstances. In any other year, we would gather in the large Centre of Excellence at the Aviva Centre, surrounded by family and friends. There would be hugs, high fives, and photo opportunities. But even though the love cannot be shared in-person, we want the Class of 2020 to know that we hold them deeply in our hearts.

Last week, President Rhonda Lenton wrote to the York community about the University’s planning for the fall academic term. That message emphasized adherence to public health and safety and access to courses so that students can progress in their programs. The message also noted the potential for select experiential activities on campus. As explained in that communication, courses will clearly state whether on-campus activities may be required.