Peter and Audrey Switzer Trophy Room

Donated By: The Shaw Family
First Presented: 2009
Criteria: Best Family Ensemble: Opening Night

This trophy has been donated by Kim and Kevin Gormley from The Old Rectory Bed and Breakfast, in honour of the Shaw family who settled in Stratford in 1910 and whose musical history includes performances in the early Stratford Musical Festivals. Frank Shaw played a violin duet with Verna Siegel in the original Festival in 1927. Edith Shaw accompanied them on the piano. Arthur Shaw competed in the Open Coronet class in the 1928 Festival.

The Shaw Family Trophy also pays tribute to a family that loved ensemble work. Art Shaw founded the 1925 Casino Band. Len Shaw's band entertained appreciative audiences until 1934 when he left to join Frank Shaw's Quartet that also featured Edith playing piano and Charles on the Trombone.