Ann Mortifee | |
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Ann Mortifee in her studio, Vancouver BC, 2016
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Background information | |
Born |
Durban, South Africa |
30 November 1947
Occupation(s) | Singer, composer, librettist, author |
Instruments | Voice, guitar, piano |
Labels | EMI, Jabula, Eskova |
Website | annmortifee.com |
Ann Mortifee, CM (born 30 November 1947) is a Canadian singer, composer and librettist, author, storyteller, and keynote speaker. Her music blends folk, musical theatre, pop, sacred and world music. She is a member of the Order of Canada, the highest honour bestowed on civilians by the Government of Canada.
Born in Durban, South Africa, Mortifee lived in KwaZulu-Natal until the age of 10. Her father, who was deeply opposed to the country's racist apartheid regime, emigrated to Canada with his wife and children and settled in Vancouver.
Mortifee is based in British Columbia and performs internationally. She was married to the late Paul Horn, a jazz flutist and one of the early new age musicians. Her younger sister, Jane Mortifee, also an artist, has on occasion performed onstage with Mortifee and on her albums.
Mortifee has received national and international distinctions and awards for her albums, concerts, musicals, scores for ballet, film, opera and TV as well as her book, In Love with the Mystery. She also facilitates arts and consciousness workshops, and has co-founded two foundations - one for social innovation and one for forestry conservation.