Dr. Betty Suderman, a much in-demand performer, accompanist and teacher, was awarded the Joyce O. Maguire Award in Abbotsford in December.

The ceremony took place on December 10, 2018 at South Abby Church, during the Christmas concert presented jointly by the Valley Festival Singers and the Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir. Before an enthusiastic standing-room only audience, Dr. Suderman was singled out to receive the prestigious award. Surprised by the honour, her short acceptance speech reflected her customary humility and humour. Later, she wrote a prepared statement expressing her gratitude.

“I was deeply honoured and more than a little surprised to receive the Joyce Maguire award,” Dr. Suderman said. “I remember hearing Joyce play at a BC Choral Federation provincial event years ago. The choir was singing an oratorio and Joyce was providing more than just a piano accompaniment. She was a veritable orchestra, all wrapped up in one person! Her technical skill and her musical mastery both impressed and inspired me. I thank the BC Choral Federation for their thoughtfulness in creating the award in her honour. It is a reminder, not just of her skills and leadership, but of the importance of the role of accompanist in the life of community choirs.”

She continued, “I have participated in choirs for most of my life and realize what a profound gift that has been. The sense of community, the striving towards a common goal, the opportunity to share in music-making are all things which I deeply treasure. My life has been enormously enriched through accompanying and singing in choirs, and I look forward to more years of musical enjoyment and challenge.”

The Joyce O. Maguire Award honours outstanding choral accompanists of long-standing in their communities. Maguire herself was a pianist for the Vancouver Bach Choir for nearly 40 years, and manager of its Children’s and Youth projects. Dr. Suderman has had a similarly long career serving the Valley Festival Singers. Bob and Irene Funk, longstanding members of the choir, believe it would be hard to overstate Betty’s value.

“Betty has been an absolutely faithful accompanist for the Valley Festival Singers since its inception,” they wrote. “She is meticulous in her preparation and selflessly devotes her talents to helping us reach levels of success that would be impossible with someone of lesser qualifications.”

Lorin Geddert concurs: “Having had the good fortune and pleasure of singing in choirs accompanied by Betty Suderman for more than 20 years, I have come to appreciate her sensitivity to the music, the director, and the singers. Her dedication to excellence in choral singing is appreciated by all.”

The choir’s director, Dr. Joel Tranquilla agrees. “I was so thrilled that we could honour Betty with this award. Dr. Suderman has been a significant contributor to the musical community in Abbotsford and the greater Fraser Valley for many years. It has been my privilege to work alongside her since joining the Valley Festival Singers.”

Submitted by Valley Festival Singers – January 2019