Montreal, February 28^th 2019. Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Foundation announced the 2019 laureates. Concert pianist Louise Bessette will receive the Classical Music Award. She is recognized worldwide as an outstanding performer and promoter of 20th and 21st century music. A versatile and engaging artist, she has had a significant impact on the field of contemporary classical piano and has introduced the works of Quebec and Canadian composers to audiences across North America, Europe and Asia. She has premiered works written especially for her by such esteemed Canadian creators as Serge Arcuri, Simon Bertrand, Lorraine Desmarais, François Dompierre, José Evangelista, Anthony Rozankovic, and Raoul Sosa, to name only a few. With remarkable talent, passion and determination, she has forged a career path that is unique in Canada.

The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) are Canada's highest honour in the performing arts. The awards recognize a stellar array of artists and arts volunteers for their outstanding contribution to culture in Canada and abroad.

The GGPAA recognizes artists for their outstanding body of work and enduring contribution to the performing arts in Canada. These national awards are presented in the categories of theatre, dance, classical music, broadcasting, popular music and film. Nominations for the Lifetime Artistic Achievement category are open to the public.

The annual Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Gala is the result of a dynamic creative partnership between the Awards Foundation; Canada's National Arts Centre, Gala fundraiser and producer; and the National Film Board of Canada, which produces short films of the recipients that premiere at the Gala.

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