SOCAN members Anton Kuerti, Eugene Levy, John Murrell, Alanis Obomsawin and Michel Pagliaro are among the recipients of 2008 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. Choreographer Brian Macdonald has also been cited in this year’s awards.

Kuerti, one of the great classical pianists of our time, is also an established composer and a dedicated supporter of many charitable causes. Writer, performer and director Levy is an alumnus of the Second City Theatre comedy troupe and star of many films. Murrell is one of the country’s most distinguished playwrights and librettists. Obomsawin, a member of the Abenaki Nation, is a renowned documentary filmmaker. And rock legend Pagliaro was the first Canadian artist to earn gold records in both official languages.

Also honoured is iconic Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, recipients of this year’s National Arts Centre Award for exceptional achievement over the past performance year.

Recipients will be honoured by Michaëlle Jean, Canada’s Governor General, during a gala presentation at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on May 2. Each receives a cash award of $25,000 and a commemorative medallion. A special gala performance, honouring all recipients, is set for May 3 in the same city’s National Arts Centre. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

For complete details on this year’s recipients, including biographies, visit the Governor General of Canada’s website