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Ann Mortifee

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Ann Mortifee
Ann Mortifee in her studio, Vancouver BC, 2016
Background information
Born (1947-11-30) 30 November 1947 (age 76)
Durban, South Africa
Occupation(s)Singer, composer, librettist, author
Instrument(s)Voice, guitar, piano
LabelsEMI, Jabula, Eskova
Websiteannmortifee.com

Ann Mortifee, CM (born 30 November 1947) is a Canadian singer, composer and librettist, author, storyteller, and keynote speaker. Her music blends folk, musical theatre, pop, sacred and world music. She is a member of the Order of Canada, one of the highest honours bestowed on civilians by the Government of Canada.

Early years

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Born in Durban, South Africa, Mortifee lived in the province of Natal until the age of 10. Her father, who was deeply opposed to the country's racist apartheid regime, immigrated to Canada with his wife and children and settled in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Family

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She was married to the late Paul Horn, a jazz flutist and one of the early new age musicians. Her younger sister, Jane Mortifee,[1] also an artist, has on occasion performed onstage with Mortifee and on her albums.

Awards

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Mortifee has received national and international distinctions and awards for her albums, concerts, musicals, scores for ballet, film, opera and TV as well as her book, In Love with the Mystery. She also facilitates arts and consciousness workshops, and has co-founded two foundations - one for social innovation and one for forestry conservation.[citation needed]

Discography

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  • 1973: The Ecstasy of Rita Joe (cast recording from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's contemporary dance production of The Ecstasy of Rita Joe)
  • 1975: Baptism - first solo album
  • 1980: Journey to Kairos - based on Mortifee's Journey to Kairos one-woman show and award-winning TV special
  • 1982: Reflections on Crooked Walking - the first full-length musical created and written by Mortifee
  • 1983: Born to Live - written with Michel Legrand
  • 1984: Bright Encounter
  • 1985: Jacques Brel Lives (from the cast reunion of the original Arts Club Vancouver production of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris)
  • 1985: Christmas Connection, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chicago Synthesizer-Rhythm Ensemble
  • 1991: Serenade at the Doorway
  • 1994: Healing Journey
  • 2005: Into the Heart of the Sangoma
  • 2010: In Love With the Mystery - musical accompaniment (with Paul Horn) to Mortifee's book In Love With the Mystery

Selected awards and recognition

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[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "Love of Art Runs in Mortifee Family". Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  2. ^ "Most Promising Female Vocalist Of The Year, Best Children's Album 1984". Juno Awards. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  3. ^ "Ann Mortifee, C.M." Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 21 May 2010. Appointed 1 November 1991, investiture 29 April 1992.
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