“Philanthropist Richard (Dick) Matthews, who helped found the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and also made significant contributions to Calgary Opera, Honens International Piano Competition, the Mount Royal Conservatory and the University of Calgary, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 93,” writes Eric Volmers in Thursday’s (10/3) Calgary Herald (Alberta, Canada). “The orchestra was dear to both Matthews, retired lawyer and entrepreneur, and his late wife, Joyce. Both were instrumental in the CPO’s formation back in 1955, when the Alberta Philharmonic and the Calgary Symphony merged. ‘He was one of the lawyers that worked to designate the Calgary Philharmonic as the orchestra that it is today,” [CPO President and CEO Ann] Lewis-Luppino said. ‘So he has a 58-year history with this organization.’ … Matthews’ love of classical music formed early in his life. His father was the first dealer of Steinway pianos in Calgary, Lewis-Luppino said. But he is probably best known for his generosity. In 2005, he made a $6.3-million donation to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation’s endowment fund, which now sits at over $26-million.… Lewis-Luppino said a tribute will be planned for Matthews during the CPO’s Nov. 2 performance.”
Posted October 7, 2013
