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Composer

 

Leon Dubinsky was a Canadian composer and musician who was born on August 23, 1945, in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He was the son of a Jewish immigrant family who had fled from Poland during World War II. Dubinsky grew up in a musical family, and his father was a cantor in the local synagogue. He began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Dubinsky attended the University of Toronto, where he studied music composition and theory. He also studied with the renowned Canadian composer John Weinzweig. After completing his studies, Dubinsky returned to Nova Scotia and began working as a music teacher and composer. Dubinsky's early works were heavily influenced by his Jewish heritage and the folk music of Eastern Europe. He composed several pieces for synagogue services, including a setting of the Kaddish prayer. He also wrote music for the theatre, including the score for a production of Fiddler on the Roof. In the 1970s, Dubinsky became involved in the labour movement and began writing songs that reflected the struggles of working-class people. He wrote several songs for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, including "Solidarity Forever" and "The Letter Carrier's Song." These songs became anthems for the labour movement in Canada and were sung at rallies and protests across the country. Dubinsky's most famous work is the song "Rise Again," which he wrote in 1976. The song became an instant hit and has since become a Canadian folk classic. It has been covered by numerous artists, including The Rankin Family and The Fables. The song's message of hope and resilience has resonated with people around the world, and it has been used as a theme song for various causes and events. In addition to his work as a composer, Dubinsky was also a performer. He played the piano and accordion and was known for his energetic and engaging performances. He toured extensively throughout Canada and the United States, performing at festivals, concerts, and other events. Dubinsky continued to compose and perform music throughout his life. He wrote several more songs for the labour movement, including "The Miners' Song" and "The Fishermen's Song." He also composed music for several films and television shows, including the CBC series Street Legal. Dubinsky passed away on March 11, 2018, at the age of 72. His legacy as a composer and musician lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and uplift people around the world. His songs of hope and resilience are a testament to the power of music to bring people together and to inspire positive change.

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