Her parents were the first people to receive the award in 2000

The Calgary Philharmonic is celebrating the passing of the Golden Baton to its latest winner, Mary Rozsa de Coquet.

The award, the highest recognition that Calgary Phil can give to its philanthropic supporters, is represented by a $30,000 gold and Swarovski crystal dipped baton. It celebrates contributions to the Calgary Phil, and recognizes outstanding supporters.

For Mary, this honour is more than just an award, it is a full-circle family moment — her parents were the first people to receive the award in 2000 after it was created to honour them.

She said one thing that makes receiving this award so special is the connection to her parents.

“Mom and dad helped start the philharmonic, really,” she said.

The award ceremony is celebrated with previous winners literally passing the baton on stage until it’s handed off to the latest winner, and Mary has historically stood in for her deceased parents. This year, her daughter will be taking that place, starting the passing of the baton as Mary waits for her turn to receive it.

Mary, 73, is a born-and-raised Calgarian, having grown up in Mount Royal. In an interview with Postmedia, she reminisced about how Calgary was when she was a child, “it’s crazy to see how the place has grown,” she said.

She attended elementary school and high school in Calgary before moving to Texas for post-secondary where she earned her first degree, and eventually returning to the city to get her degree in education and an additional diploma at U of C.

A few years after earning her degree at U of C, Mary was awarded an honourary doctorate from the university.

Mary credits her support of the arts to her parents and the example they set. Her father, Ted, was a big believer in a well-rounded community, she said, “you have to have all aspects in the community for it to be healthy.”

Ted was a geophysicist brought to Alberta from the U.S. by Shell to work in the oil industry, but used his time to support all industries, from churches and sports, to education and arts.

Mary’s mother, Lola, was an artist in her own right, having been part of Mac 14 — now known as Theatre Calgary. Lola had a tremendous singing voice, said Mary, and both parents were lovers of music, specifically philharmonic music. The pair were among the first season ticket holders to the Alberta Symphony and Calgary Philharmonic.

Because of their passion for music, Mary grew up going to Calgary Phil concerts, and having musicians from the theatre invited to her home. She was also involved in early fundraisers.

Ted and Lola were involved in philanthropy across many industries, but “they did a lot in the arts community,” said Mary.

The Golden Baton award, created to honour Ted and Lola, was not meant to be an annual thing, according to Rozsa. It was created “to recognize their widespread support of the arts,” said Mary of her parents. “The CPO was always their true love.”

Mary said, on why supporting the arts is so important to her: “The arts are like water. They flow everywhere and they’re absolutely necessary for life.”

Art brings together communities, she said, and provides inspiration. Two things she said we are in need of today. The arts are also instrumental in the intellectual development of children, said Mary.

She recalled a quote about the importance of art in every day life from a friend who was the dean of fine arts at U of C, who said, “what are we keeping them alive for?”

Mary also shared the beauty of gathering for a live performance, experiencing creation, sharing and authenticity.

“It gives you a new perspective on what’s going on around you,” she said.

“I believe the arts are just like physical activity, they’re essential.”

Mary described Calgary’s arts community as outstanding and innovative, saying the city has had the best audience return in Canada post-Covid, based on research done at the Rozsa Foundation.

The award is not given to those who donate the most money, said Rozsa, but about giving “time, talent and treasure.”

It wasn’t just about giving a large cash donation, but about support over time in all aspects. Helping with fundraisers and sitting on the board are just two ways Rozsa — and her parents — supported the Calgary Phil before being in a position to support financially.

After years of support, Ted and Lola were able to give the philharmonic a $1 million endowment for the maestro’s chair with Mario Bernardi.

Mary followed in her parents’ philanthropic footsteps, sitting on the board for the Calgary Philharmonic Foundation, chaired the Heartstrings campaign, became a season ticket holder and carried on Ted and Lola’s tradition of hosting the year-end party for the musicians.

Additionally, Mary acknowldges she’s been privileged enough to contribute financially as well.

But she emphasized that the difference is made with giving time and talent. This award isn’t for the elite, it’s for the passionate.

“Anybody could be a recipient of the Golden Baton,” said Mary.

The award is an encouragement for anyone to be engaged and involved in the community. The city benefits from those willing to step up and help in any way.

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