Upon nomination from the Department of Music at Conrad Grebel University College, Mr. Jean-Philippe Collard received a Doctor of Letters from the University of Waterloo during convocation on June 16, 2011.
Jean-Philippe Collard is a world-renowned French pianist and recording artist whose many performances and recordings have earned the highest accolades for their virtuosity, interpretive flair and ability to engage his audience. Born in France, Collard established a formidable international reputation at a very young age, winning many prestigious competitions and receiving invitations to perform with world-class orchestras. He has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 2003, the highest civilian honour in France, for his life-long devotion to the performance and promotion of French classical music.
Not only did Collard perform at the University of Waterloo Arts Convocation, but he was the guest of honour at a reception hosted by University of Waterloo President, Feridun Hamdullahpur. He also performed Chopin's Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op.35 and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an exhibition at a recital in the evening at University of Waterloo’s Theatre of the Arts.
The honorary doctorate for such an internationally acclaimed pianist is a great coup for Grebel’s Department of Music and the college as a whole. It highlights our unique program and enhances the profile of Music at Conrad Grebel.