Peter and Audrey Switzer Trophy Room

Donated By: The Honourable Ambrose Verney-Cave, England
First Presented: 1931
Criteria: Best or Most Promising Strings Player - Suzuki Books 4 - 6

The Honourable Ambrose Verney-Cave was born in England in 1906, the son of Adrian Verney-Cave, the 6th Lord of Braye. He was educated in Ampleforth College in Yorkshire, England, a co-ed Roman Catholic school where music has always played a central part in both the academic curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Verney-Cave fought in WWII as a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

In 1931, he donated a trophy to the Stratford Music Festival. At that time it was designated for Rhythm Bands and was won by the Cora B. Ahrens, Studio Rhythm Band and her Piano Class Rhythm Band from 1931 through 1937. At some point, the designation was changed and it was presented to the best Junior Church Choir. The Choir from St. John's United Church, led by Gordon Scott, won it for 8 straight years beginning in 1966. Most recently, it has been awarded in the Strings Category.