Iwan Edwards

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Iwan Edwards C.M. (born October 5, 1937), is a celebrated Canadian choral conductor. Over a forty year span he has founded and conducted several notable choirs and thrilled audiences. For his outstanding work he has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

Edwards was born in Wales and completed his undergraduate degree in music (violin) at the University of Wales. In 1965, he left Wales and moved to Montreal, Canada. There he taught high school music at Lachine High School until 1979. He managed his time well and was able to start the St. Lawrence Choir in 1972. Over 35 years, Edwards has led this choir for audiences in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Saratoga Springs, New York (Carnegie Hall), and Philadelphia. From 1979 to 1990, he taught high school music at the Fine Arts Core Education School in Montreal.

In 1991, Edwards was appointed associate professor at the McGill University Faculty of Music. There he conducted the McGill Chamber Singers, the University Chorus and, on occasion, the McGill Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. He served as Chairman of the Performance Department of the Faculty of Music from 1992-96.

In May of 1995, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his outstanding achievements in the Arts. In 1998 and 1999, Edwards was trusted to be the guest conductor of the National Youth Choir of Canada. He retired from McGill in June, 2001. Edwards would not relax in retirement. Instead he became the Artistic Director and Conductor of the newly formed Canadian Chamber Choir. In 2004, he passed CCC's baton to his protege, Julia Davids. He continues to thrill audiences through the St. Lawrence Choir.