Information/Write-up
Ann Golden is a Canadian contralto and music educator whose work in musical theatre and vocal performance has left a lasting imprint on Canada's cultural landscape. Born in Ottawa, she studied at the École Vincent-d'Indy and McGill University, where she earned a Licentiate in Music (1958) and a Bachelor of Music (1968).
Golden gained national recognition for her role as Princess Aurora Borealis in the landmark 1957 satirical musical My Fur Lady. Created by students at McGill University, My Fur Lady was a uniquely Canadian production that blended jazz, 1950s rock and roll, and political satire to tell the story of a northern princess seeking a husband to maintain her nation’s independence from Canada. The production was a runaway success, touring across Canada with over 400 performances and spawning an original cast recording.
One of the standout songs from the musical, "Teach Me How to Think Canadian," features Golden’s rich contralto voice and captures the playful yet poignant spirit of the show. The song was later featured in the 2003 compilation Fasten Your Seatbelts: 60 Years of Vintage Canadian Music, reaffirming its place in the canon of Canadian musical history.
In addition to her performance career, Golden was deeply involved in music education, teaching at institutions such as the École Vincent-d'Indy and the University of Ottawa. Her dual legacy as a performer and teacher continues to resonate, marking her as an important figure in the development and promotion of Canadian music and talent.
-Robert Williston
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