Susan Mary Dyer Knight

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Susan Dyer Knight is the founder and artistic director of the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Choir, an internationally award-winning choir of 187 young artists from the St. John's region. Established in 1992, the NSYC has been acclaimed for its interpretation and performance of choral work from around the world, especially works celebrating the cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. She also inspired the creation of Festival 500, a biennial international choral festival held in St. John's since 1997, and serves as its artistic co-director. The inaugural festival, which attracted 1200 delegates from around the world, was named outstanding Canadian choral event for 1997 by the Association of Canadian Choral Directors.

Following her early musical studies with the Sisters of Mercy and Andreas Barban in St. John's, Ms. Knight studied at the University of Toronto, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Hamline University and the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, where she serves on the summer faculty. She holds a specialist diploma in the Orff-Schulwerk, a master of arts in music education and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of London, England.

Ms. Knight is active internationally as a guest conductor, adjudicator, lecturer, editor, clinician, and advocate, and has served in executive positions with provincial and national music and educational organizations. She was recently awarded membership in the Order of Canada, the country's highest honour for lifetime achievement and was named Memorial University's alumna of the year 2000.

Pages >> Biographical Notes | Address to Convocation | Oration