Vancouver, BC —During Music on Main’s sold-out 20th Season Celebration at the Vancouver Playhouse, the organization was honoured with a Barbara Pentland Award of Excellence, presented by the Canadian Music Centre (CMC). Dedicated to the legacy of acclaimed Canadian composer Barbara Pentland, the Canadian Music Centre’s Pentland Awards recognize extraordinary contributions to Canadian music, as well as excellence in composition and performance across the province of British Columbia.

The celebratory evening on March 23, 2026 featured a landmark performance of Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich, brought to life by the Music on Main All-Star Band in a powerful and electrifying concert experience. After presenting the Award of Excellence to Music on Main, CMC representatives Sean Bickerton, BC Director, and Heather Molloy, Manager, Centre Services BC, surprised Music on Main’s Artistic Director, David Pay, with a Barbara Pentland Lifetime Achievement Award. The honour highlighted Pay’s exceptional dedication to Canadian music, his lasting impact on the nation’s cultural landscape, and his dedication to connecting Vancouver’s musicians to the world. 

Photo by Jan Gates

Sean Bickerton stated: “David Pay has coached and mentored more than 300 composers, performing artists, and arts administrators over his career, and started a radically innovative new music series, which is now one of the most unique and admired in North America. Dave has not only changed the future of music but helped create it. It is an extraordinary contribution, not only to Canadian culture, but to the world.”

Founded in 2006 by David Pay, Music on Main has become a vital force in Canada’s contemporary music scene, known for its adventurous programming, community engagement, and support of both emerging and established artists. The organization’s 20th Season stands as a testament to its continued growth, resilience, and artistic excellence. As Artistic Director, David Pay has earned an international reputation as one of today’s leading-edge classical and contemporary music programmers. He also has coached and mentored more than 300 artists, composers, and arts administrators not only through Music on Main, but also through his work with Capilano University and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. He is a frequent speaker at conferences around the world and was the Artistic Producer of the 2015 Opening Night Gala of Classical:NEXT, the world’s leading classical music showcase. He served as Artistic Director of ISCM World New Music Days 2017, the largest new music festival in Canada’s history, and in 2024, he was the lead creator and the director of The Tempest Project.

“I was really surprised, and moved, when the Canadian Music Centre presented me with the Barbara Pentland Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Award of Excellence recognition is deeply meaningful for all of us at Music on Main. To be personally acknowledged alongside the legacy of Barbara Pentland is an incredible honour. Celebrating this moment with our community of artists, audiences, and supporters made it even more memorable,” said David Pay in a statement.

As Music on Main looks ahead to its next 20 years, it remains committed to fostering bold creativity, collaboration, and a vibrant future for Canadian music.