Dr. Richard Cox receives 2014 O.Henry Award for a lifetime of dedication to the Arts

ArtsGreensboro, in collaboration with the Greensboro Partnership, has awarded its 2014 O. Henry Award to Dr. Richard Cox. The award honors individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the cultural development of Greensboro over the course of their lifetimes. A retired UNCG professor, Cox was recognized for his contributions to choral music in Greensboro and around the world. Cox began his teaching career at UNCG in 1960, helping build UNCG's School of Music into a nationally renowned program. When he retired in 2001, UNCG honored him with the endowed Richard Cox Vocal Arts Scholarship. Cox also served as choir director of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church for 50 years, retiring in December 2013. He is the author of several textbooks on diction in singing in English, French and German. Cox started Greensboro's acclaimed musical ensemble, Bel Canto, 32 years ago, and served as its first conductor. He was part of the founding staff of the Greensboro Opera Company, serving as chorus master in every production for 15 years. The O. Henry Award was presented by ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion at the Greensboro Partnership's annual dinner on Thursday, January 30. "Dr. Cox's nominators for the award repeatedly recognized his leadership, scholarship and musicianship, noting that he taught by example, instilling the love, power and discipline of music in countless individuals," Philion said. "His students are public school teachers, music teachers, professors, conductors, musicians, and arts board members. "Dr. Cox's influence reaches past Greensboro and around the globe through the students he has taught and musicians he has mentored and inspired," Philion added. "His hard work and dedication to his craft have given thousands of people in Greensboro the opportunity to enjoy top-level opera and choral music." Past recipients of the O. Henry Award include Linda Sloan, Susan Shore Schwartz, Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Barbara and Herman Cone, Louis Patseavouris, Shirley Spears, Bernie and Bobbie Mann, Logie Meachum and Brenda Schlunes. ArtsGreensboro is the community's largest source of dedicated financial support, funding arts and culture through a competitive process - from nationally recognized programs and projects like the Eastern Music Festival and Triad Stage - to community arts projects like the Magic Art Bus, artists throughout the Piedmont region, and arts-in-education initiatives in the schools. Each year, ArtsGreensboro supports more than 50 arts organizations and projects, with a high priority on access to the arts across all cultures, ages, and economic backgrounds. Visit www.ArtsGreensboro.org for more information. The Greensboro Partnership and its member organizations -- Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Greensboro Economic Development Alliance and Action Greensboro -- work together to strategically develop a vibrant community that creates, expands, and attracts business while advancing the quality of life for all.