Ann Mortifee

Ann Mortifee was born in Zululand, South Africa. She spent her first years on a sugar farm there and came to Canada as a young child. As a teenager in Vancouver, she began singing with the legendary Josh White after her first public appearance which was at a local coffeehouse. Shortly thereafter, Ann was invited to an audition to be a singer for the first run of the George Ryga play, The Ecstasy of Rita Joe. It was here that she recognized the power of the arts to influence social awareness. Ann’s work with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet on the ballet version of The Ecstasy of Rita Joe deepened her commitment to the arts and helped greatly to establish her career.  Ann has released ten CDs, written three musicals, and several ballet and film scores. She has worked as a keynote speaker for conferences on such concerns as the use of creativity in healing, sexual abuse, death and dying, environmental and women’s issues. She received the Order of Canada and the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in 1992 for her outstanding contribution to the healing and performing arts in Canada. The whole body of Ann’s work deals with the mystery, difficulty and extraordinary opportunity of what it means to be a human being. Ann has facilitated workshops throughout Canada, Europe and the United States. They are a healing journey that awakens deep creativity, passion and aliveness. Her work with the voice is known for its unique, innovative and transformative qualities.