Claim to fame
Claim to Fame: Founder of the popular Vancouver Recital Society, music-teacher-turned-impresario Leila Getz presents about 30 classical music concerts throughout the west coast city each year, all dedicated to young, rising stars. Leila's roster has included some impressive names. "I love it when people say, 'I heard Yo-Yo Ma when he was 18 and I paid $12 for the ticket,'" says Leila beaming.Late breaking: This holiday season Leila is busy orchestrating the society's stunning 25th anniversary lineup. Returning and now-famous artists such as Ma (Dec. 10) and soprano Renée Fleming (Jan. 20) perform alongside young up-and-comers. It's a far cry from the early days, when Leila worked for free and hosted all the musicians in her own home.
On another high note, Leila recently added an Order of British Columbia to her Order of Canada, which she received in 1995. "I was just floored," she says of the accolade. "What have I done except have fun? If I were to dwell on what I did," she adds, "I'd perhaps become quite arrogant and I've got enough bad personality traits already. I'm lucky because I have a consuming passion for what I do."
On another high note, Leila recently added an Order of British Columbia to her Order of Canada, which she received in 1995. "I was just floored," she says of the accolade. "What have I done except have fun? If I were to dwell on what I did," she adds, "I'd perhaps become quite arrogant and I've got enough bad personality traits already. I'm lucky because I have a consuming passion for what I do."
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