Rombo to receive honorary degree

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This article was published 20/05/2025 (310 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Elin Rombo, an acclaimed soprano and a graduate of the Brandon University School of Music, will return to her alma mater this month to receive an honorary degree during the university’s spring Convocation.

The ceremony will take place on the morning of May 29, at the Healthy Living Centre.

Rombo, who completed her bachelor of music at BU in 1998, has since built an international career on some of the world’s most prestigious opera stages. Her return to BU will include not only the honorary degree ceremony but also a musical residency featuring a public recital and student engagement.

“Elin has raised the profile of our School of Music by performing to great acclaim at many of Europe’s greatest venues,” said the university’s acting president, Kofi Campbell.

“In addition to her remarkable success on stage, she has returned to Brandon numerous times to perform and to share her experience and insight with our students,” he said. “We’re proud to count Elin among our alumni and we’re excited to strengthen that connection with her at convocation.”

Following her time at BU, Rombo returned to Sweden and completed her studies at Stockholm’s University College of Opera. She debuted with the Royal Swedish Opera in 2003 and has since performed in major cities such as Stockholm, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Warsaw. Her repertoire includes world-premiere performances of works by renowned composers like Philip Glass, Rufus Wainwright, Sven-David Sandström, Wolfgang Rihm and Catharina Backman.

As part of her homecoming, Rombo will perform in concert on the evening of May 29 at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. She will be joined by pianist Sharon Rogers, a faculty member at BU’s School of Music and a longtime musical partner. The two, who first collaborated during their time as students at BU, will present a program of songs and arias beginning at 8 p.m. For ticket information, the public is encouraged to contact Terry McMaster at McMasterT@BrandonU.ca.

“Elin has been a consummate ambassador for Brandon University and an incredible mentor for our students,” acting provost Greg Gatien said.

“Both Elin and Sharon are remarkable musicians who share a special bond onstage, and it will be a treat to see them perform together once again,” Gatien said.

In addition to the performance, Rombo will engage with BU students as a lecturer-in-residence through June 3, continuing a tradition of mentorship that included her artist residency in 2023.

She will be recognized alongside broadcaster, musician and writer Tom Allen, who will also receive an honorary degree during the May 29 ceremony. Allen will present his chamber musical, “JS Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow,” on May 28 at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall.

Brandon University awards honorary degrees to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in professional life, made significant contributions to society or the university, or advanced knowledge through research, teaching or creative work. Honorees are nominated by members of the BU community and its broader network of supporters.

This year’s Convocation celebrations will be held over two days, with ceremonies recognizing graduates from the faculties of science and music on Thursday morning, education on Thursday afternoon, health studies on Friday morning and arts on Friday afternoon.

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