Mayor's key honours orchestra maestro

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Laura Mueller

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Maestro David Currie speaks after accepting a key to the city from Mayor Jim Watson at the National Arts Centre before leading the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra in a performance marking Currie's 20th season as the OSO's conductor and director of music.

Laura Mueller, Metroland

Maestro David Currie speaks after accepting a key to the city from Mayor Jim Watson at the National Arts Centre before leading the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra in a performance marking Currie's 20th season as the OSO's conductor and director of music.

Ottawa Symphony Orchestra music director and conductor David Currie began his 20th season with the OSO on a high note as he was presented with a key to the city.

The honour, which was bestowed upon Currie just prior to the start of a 20th-anniversary concert at the National Arts Centre on Jan. 23, was the first of this term of council for Mayor Jim Watson.

Watson said Currie's leadership has had a profound impact on are and culture in Ottawa.

"David's valuable work and direction have been key to the success of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra over the last two decades, which has contributed to the richness and diversity of the cultural landscape in our city," the mayor said.

Currie, a resident of Sandy Hill, has lived in Ottawa since 1971, when he joined the National Arts Centre Orchestra as assistance principal bass player. He became the principal bass player in 1009 but left at the end of the season to expand his experience as a conductor.

Currie has also been a professor of music and conductor of the University of Ottawa orchestra since 1982.

This year, 2012, not only marks Currie's 20th anniversary as maestro with the OSO, but also his 30th season as the conductor of the university orchestra and his 40th season as a musician on the stage of the NAC.