A pair of local individuals have been awarded one of the highest honours in the province's choral community.

The inaugural Manitoba Choral Association (MCA) Awards of Distinction were appointed this week with six recipients in three categories. The recognition is designed to honour individuals, choirs, institutions, corporations, and programs for their valuable contributions to the choral community of Manitoba.

Presented the Spirit Award, recognizing contributions such as outreach, service, education, diversity, sponsorship, or other significant advocacy work to the choral arts, are Winkler's Philipp R. Ens and the late Karen Giesbrecht.

"Philipp Ens in particular has made really significant financial contributions to MCA over the years and he was really supported our work through programming," explained MCA executive director, Jenny Steinke-Magnus.

In an MCA news release, Ens was cited for frequently expressing his appreciation for opportunities and events planned for rural communities and eagerness to learn how his gifts benefit all choral groups in Manitoba.

Meantime, Giesbrecht, who passed away in 2019, was awarded the Spirit Award posthumously.

Having served on the MCA Board of Directors, Steinke-Magnus says Giesbrecht made a tremendous impact on MCA and Manitoba singers during her lifetime as a conductor and volunteer.

"It really continues to inspire and guide musicians on their journey, and so I think it was really important that we recognized her contributions in her lifetime," she adds.

Meantime, this year's recipients for the MCA Award for Artistic Excellence include Winnipeg choir Camerata Nova and conductor Michelle Chyzyk from the Westman region.

MCA's New Voice Award went to two recipients this year: Winnipeg-based chamber choir Nuovoce, directed by Sarah Sommer and Justin Odwak, and Brandon-based community choir Konektis, directed by Michelle Chyzyk.