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John Wyre was a Canadian percussionist, composer, and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on November 11, 1941, in Toronto, Canada, Wyre grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which meant that music was always a part of his life. Wyre began his musical journey at a young age, studying piano and percussion. He attended the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where he studied percussion with John Rudolph and piano with Earle Moss. After completing his studies, Wyre began performing with various orchestras and ensembles in Canada, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet of Canada. In 1968, Wyre co-founded the percussion ensemble Nexus, which would become one of the most influential percussion groups in the world. The group consisted of Wyre and three other percussionists, Bob Becker, Robin Engelman, and Bill Cahn. Nexus was known for its innovative approach to percussion music, incorporating a wide range of instruments from around the world, including marimbas, vibraphones, gongs, and drums. Throughout his career, Wyre was a prolific composer, writing music for Nexus as well as for other ensembles and solo performers. His compositions were often inspired by his travels around the world, and he was particularly interested in the music of Asia and Africa. Some of his most notable compositions include "Gahu," "Kebjar-Bali," and "The Shaman." In addition to his work with Nexus, Wyre was also a respected conductor, leading orchestras and ensembles in Canada and around the world. He was the conductor of the Esprit Orchestra in Toronto from 1983 to 1986 and was a guest conductor with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. Wyre's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1997, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the highest honors in the country, for his contributions to Canadian music. He was also the recipient of the Toronto Arts Award for Music in 1998 and the Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts in 2003. One of the highlights of Wyre's career was his performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He was invited to perform with Nexus at the opening ceremony, which was watched by millions of people around the world. The performance was a huge success, and Wyre and Nexus received widespread acclaim for their innovative and exciting music. Wyre continued to perform and compose music until his death on June 17, 2006, at the age of 64. His legacy lives on through his recordings, compositions, and the many musicians he inspired throughout his career. He was a true pioneer in the world of percussion music and will always be remembered as one of Canada's greatest musical talents.

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