Canadian composer, administrator and champion of the arts, Louis Applebaum established the Louis Applebaum Composers Fund at the Foundation in 1998 to recognize excellence in composition. 

Louis composed music for numerous films, including the 1951 documentary Royal Journey, and was nominated for an Academy Award for his score of the 1945 war film, The Story of G.I. Joe. A vital force in Canada’s cultural life over six decades, he was Executive Director of the Ontario Arts Council and Vice-President of the Canadian League of Composers. He was the first music director of the Stratford Festival and his fanfares have opened every performance since the Festival started in 1953. In 1976 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.

His foresight in creating a fund to support future Canadian composers ensures that his devotion to the arts will be felt for years to come.   

Prize:  $15,000

Current Recipient
2024   

Cecilia Livingston, winner of the 2024 Louis Applebaum Composers Award (theatre, music theatre, dance and opera)

Past Recipients
2022  Debashis Sinha (media)
2020    Eleanor Daley (composition for young people)
2018    Hilario Durán (jazz)
2016    Alice Ping Yee Ho (theatre, music theatre, dance or opera)
2014    Mychael Danna (film and television)
2011    Dean Burry (composition for young people)
2008    David Virelles  (jazz)
2005    James Rolfe  (theatre, music theatre, dance or opera)
2002    Alex Pauk and Alexina Louie  (film and television)
1999    R. Murray Schafer  (lifetime achievement)

News Releases
Cecilia Livingston Awarded the Louis Applebaum Composers Award   September 25, 2024