Congratulations to Doreen Uren Simmons
Orillia recognizes outstanding performer and educator
Doreen Uren Simmons, an active member of Fairlawn who often plays piano for services and events at the church, received the Qennefer Browne Achievement Award by Orillia Regional Arts & Heritage (ORAH) on Nov. 23. It acknowledged her “outstanding contribution to the [city’s] cultural life … not only as a performer, but also as a music educator teaching countless students from her home.”
After many years as a musician and educator in Toronto where she accompanied singers like Lois Marshall, Catherine Robbin, Norma Burrowes and Peter Barnes, she moved to Orillia in 1996 to be near her grandchildren. Doreen opened a studio there and has seen many of her students go on to successful careers in music.
The ORAH citation noted that “Doreen’s musical interpretations often left audiences breathless and moved to tears. She frequently accompanied Cellar Singers concerts, as well as many musical events at St. Paul’s Centre. She also served as a vocal coordinator with the Orillia Kiwanis Music Festival.
“She worked with Orillia Vocal Ensemble singers to improve the vocal technique in a workshop, helped singers in rehearsals of Mariposa Arts musicals and accompanied numerous local individual singers in vocal performances and rehearsals. As well as the Cellar Singers, she was the pianist for Mariposa Arts Theatre productions, including the musicals South Pacific and Man of La Mancha. She played for secondary school musical theatre productions, and also for students in the Orillia and Barrie Kiwanis Music Festivals. Her accompanying is always supportive, allowing musicians to shine.”
