Thank you for joining us at the TMA’s Annual Holiday Party!
Your attendance made this celebration special as we gathered to honour the outstanding achievements of our TMA Award winners. We are proud to recognize the contributions of our members and are grateful for the community we share. Here’s to more music and success in the coming year!
Community Builder of the Year: Julian Taylor
In recognition of his outstanding contributions as a community builder, Julian Taylor, an award-winning Toronto-based singer-songwriter, has been a vital part of Canada’s musical landscape for two decades. His breakthrough album, The Ridge, earned over five million plays on Spotify and received international acclaim. Of Mohawk and Caribbean ancestry, Taylor uses his platform to support Indigenous and marginalized voices, addressing themes of identity, resilience, and inclusivity through his music and outreach. His work blends rock, folk, and soul, resonating with diverse audiences and shaping the careers of emerging artists. Taylor’s advocacy and mentorship continue to inspire a deeper appreciation for Canadian musical heritage.
Member of the Year: Sarah Fraser Raff
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Sarah is a violinist with the JUNO-nominated Cryptid Ensemble and a founding member of the Madawaska Quartet and CONTAQT New Music Ensemble, she has significantly impacted the music scene. Sarah has collaborated with renowned artists, performed at major festivals in Canada and internationally, and contributed to numerous recordings, including the JUNO-winning Bestiary I & II. She has premiered over 40 works, led workshops for composers, and influenced many young musicians as an adjudicator and teacher. Her extensive performance career includes appearances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, and collaborations with artists like Jay-Z and Andrea Bocelli.
Music Educator of the Year: Andrew Scott
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to music education, Andrew has taught, administered, advised, and mentored thousands of students at Humber College. As a Professor and Program Coordinator of the Bachelor of Music Program, he has shaped the curriculum and supported student success. His leadership as Associate Dean and Acting Dean of Humber’s School of Creative and Performing Arts earned him the “Administrative Distinguished Service” Award in 2021 and the title of “Champion of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” in 2022. Andrew’s involvement in federally funded musical education research projects, his lectures across North America, and his public education efforts, such as the Hot Docs “Curious Minds” series, further extend his influence and support for emerging musicians. Through these roles, Andrew has significantly impacted the careers of many young musicians.
Lifetime Achievement: Beverley Johnston
In recognition of her distinguished musical career, Beverley Johnston has been a pivotal figure in Canadian classical music for over four decades. She has commissioned, performed, and recorded works from over fifty Canadian composers, and is the first Canadian classical percussion soloist to gain international acclaim. As an educator at the University of Toronto since 1996, she has inspired many young musicians, particularly female percussionists, in a traditionally male-dominated field. Beverley has performed with top Canadian orchestras and ensembles, and her international performances span Europe, China, Japan, and the United States. Her six solo CDs and GEMINI-nominated CBC-TV documentary performance highlight her remarkable career, making a lasting impact on Canadian culture and society.
Lifetime Achievement: Tony Zorzi
In recognition of his remarkable musical legacy, Tony Zorzi, a Humber College graduate and longtime faculty member since 1986, was one of Toronto’s most respected and beloved guitarists. Revered by top musicians as a brilliant, masterful, and soulful player, he was truly the guitar player’s guitar player. His extensive discography includes jingles, CBC productions, and contributions to several Juno Award-winning and nominated albums. Tony was also the first call for theatre orchestras, performing in iconic productions such as Tommy, Rent, Joseph, Mamma Mia, and The Last Ship (featuring Sting). His live performances spanned diverse collaborations, from A.R. Rahman to the Toronto Symphony, leaving an indelible mark on the music world.
Tony passed away on November 27, leaving behind a lasting influence on both the Canadian music scene and countless musicians he inspired throughout his career.
