Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

March 28, 1906 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Death

:

May 6, 2002 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Murray Adaskin was a Canadian composer, violinist, and conductor who made significant contributions to the classical music scene in Canada. He was born on March 28, 1906, in Toronto, Ontario, to a family of musicians. His father, Harry Adaskin, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Frances Marr Adaskin, was a pianist. Murray Adaskin grew up in a musical environment and started playing the violin at a young age. Adaskin's musical education began at the Toronto Conservatory of Music, where he studied violin with Luigi von Kunits and composition with Leo Smith. He later continued his studies in Europe, where he studied with renowned composers such as Nadia Boulanger and Paul Hindemith. Adaskin's exposure to different musical styles and techniques during his studies greatly influenced his own compositions. Adaskin's career as a composer began in the 1930s, and he quickly gained recognition for his works. His compositions were often inspired by Canadian landscapes and culture, and he was known for his use of folk melodies and rhythms in his music. Some of his most notable works include his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered by the Hart House String Quartet in 1935, and his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1946. In addition to his work as a composer, Adaskin was also a respected violinist and conductor. He was a member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1926 to 1931 and later served as the concertmaster of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra from 1946 to 1952. He also conducted various orchestras throughout his career, including the CBC Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Adaskin's contributions to the Canadian classical music scene were not limited to his own compositions and performances. He was also a dedicated educator and helped to establish several music programs in Canada. In 1967, he founded the School of Music at the University of Victoria, where he served as the director until his retirement in 1971. He also helped to establish the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and served as its first conductor. Throughout his career, Adaskin received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Canadian music. In 1971, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada, and in 1983, he was awarded the Order of British Columbia. He also received honorary degrees from several universities, including the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia. Murray Adaskin passed away on August 6, 2002, at the age of 96. His legacy as a composer, performer, and educator continues to inspire and influence the Canadian classical music scene to this day.

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