Robert Aitken, 2009 winner of the $50,000 Walter Carsen Prize for artistic excellence, is described by the Canada Council as a 'distinguished innovator.' (Ashley Hopkins/Canada Council of the Arts)

Composer, conductor and celebrated flutist Robert Aitken has won the Canada Council's $50,000 Walter Carsen Prize.

On Tuesday, the council named Toronto-based Aitken, who was born in Kentville, N.S., the 2009 recipient of the honour, which celebrates the artistic excellence and distinguished career achievement by a Canadian performing artist in the realm of theatre, dance or music.

"A masterly force in the world of contemporary Canadian music, Robert Aitken has demonstrated for over half a century a tireless commitment to its development, performance and promotion in every corner of the globe," the peer assessment committee said in its citation.

"As a flutist, composer, interpreter and teacher, he is a distinguished innovator and continues to exert a strong influence on upcoming generations."

Previously honoured with the Order of Canada and also as a Chevalier de l'Order des Arts et des Lettres in France, Aitken, now 70, has performed both solo as well as in a host of ensembles, from small groups to the Vancouver and Toronto symphony orchestras.

Worked with noted composers

A longtime music teacher, Aitken has made dozens of recordings and worked with noted composers like R. Murray Schafer, John Cage, John Weinzweig and Giles Tremblay.

A former director of the Banff Centre's winter program in Music, Aitken has also established and led a number of musical series, including New Music Concerts and the Music at Shawinigan festival.

Established through a $1.1-million donation by Toronto businessman and arts philanthropist Walter Carsen, the annual prize is awarded on a four-year cycle recognizing dance, theatre, dance and music.

Past recipients include dance artists Margie Gillis and Veronica Tennant, composer R. Murray Schafer, and playwrights John Murrell and Judith Thompson.