Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1937

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Diana McIntosh is a Canadian composer, pianist, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1938, McIntosh grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. Her mother was a pianist and her father was a violinist, and they encouraged her to pursue music as a career. McIntosh studied at the University of Saskatchewan, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1960. She then went on to study at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Master of Music degree in 1962. During her time in Toronto, McIntosh studied with some of Canada's most prominent composers, including John Weinzweig and Samuel Dolin. After completing her studies, McIntosh began her career as a composer and pianist. She quickly gained recognition for her innovative and experimental approach to music, which blended elements of classical, jazz, and avant-garde styles. Her early works, such as "Sonata for Piano" (1963) and "Three Pieces for Piano" (1964), showcased her unique voice as a composer and established her as a rising star in the Canadian music scene. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, McIntosh continued to compose and perform, earning critical acclaim for her works. In 1972, she was awarded the Canadian Music Council Medal for her contributions to Canadian music. She also became a sought-after educator, teaching at the University of Manitoba and the University of Victoria. One of McIntosh's most significant works is "The Ojibway Songs" (1975), a composition for voice and piano that incorporates traditional Ojibway melodies and rhythms. The piece was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and was performed by McIntosh and Indigenous singer and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie. "The Ojibway Songs" was groundbreaking in its use of Indigenous music and its collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists. In the 1980s and 1990s, McIntosh continued to push the boundaries of classical music, experimenting with electronic music and incorporating elements of world music into her compositions. Her works from this period include "The Elements" (1982), a suite for piano and electronic tape that explores the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, and "The Garden of Earthly Delights" (1990), a composition for chamber ensemble that draws inspiration from the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch. In addition to her work as a composer, McIntosh has also been a passionate advocate for the arts. She has served on the boards of numerous arts organizations, including the Canadian Music Centre and the Canadian League of Composers. She has also been a mentor to many young composers and musicians, helping to shape the next generation of Canadian artists. Today, McIntosh is recognized as one of Canada's most important and influential composers. Her works have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, and she has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music. Despite her many achievements, McIntosh remains humble and dedicated to her craft, continuing to compose and perform well into her eighties. Her legacy as a composer, educator, and advocate for the arts will continue to inspire generations of Canadian musicians for years to come.

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