Calgary-born composer Sarah Davachi wins the Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale

The Biennale judges called Davachi, 39, “one of the most interesting and coherent voices in the contemporary musical landscape.” The composer and organist works across electronic and acoustic music.

Why it matters

The Silver Lion is the Biennale's second-most prestigious award, and this one honours her whole body of work rather than a single piece.

My music tends to be for people who like to have a quasi-spiritual experience.

— Sarah Davachi

Few Canadians have won a Silver Lion since it was first handed out in 1953, among them actor Micheline Lanctôt in 1984 and dancer Dana Michel in 2017.