News
NBYO annually recognizes outstanding partners/patrons/musicians who have made exemplary contributions to the development of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and Sistema NB. Her Honour—New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor Louise Imbeault and NBYO President & CEO Kenn Mainville proudly co-presented the 2025 Award to Dr. Mary Pedersen on Sunday, March 23rd at our regular season finale spectacular—WE WILL ROCK YOU II in Fredericton.
Dr. Mary Pedersen’s story begins in Four Falls, New Brunswick, the eldest of six daughters raised on a family farm. Her mother’s commitment to music education — piano and even bagpipes — sparked what would become a lifelong love of classical music.
After studies at Dalhousie and Memorial University, Dr. Pedersen spent more than four decades in medicine and military service. Across many provinces and territories, she found music to be a constant — a source of reflection, connection, and joy. A passionate audience member, she has heard some of the finest musicians and conductors in the world.
Returning to New Brunswick in 2021, Dr. Pedersen quickly became a committed champion of music in our province — especially for young people. She has supported Sistema NB and Symphony NB, and she established the Dr. Mary & Mark Pedersen Instrument Bank — a quarter-million dollar investment to provide professional-level instruments to the principal musicians of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra.
Her inspiration? A deep belief in the capacity of young people, and a conviction that music transforms lives. Dr. Pedersen’s investment has already elevated the quality of NBYO’s performances — and will continue to do so for generations of musicians to come.
For her extraordinary support of youth, the arts, and the cultural life of our province, we are deeply honoured to present Dr. Mary Pedersen with the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s NBYO Award.
