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Serge Garant was a Canadian composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on April 22, 1929, in Quebec City, Garant showed an early interest in music and began studying piano at the age of six. He later went on to study composition and conducting at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal. Garant's early career was marked by a series of successes, including winning the Prix d'Europe in 1954, which allowed him to study in Paris with renowned composer Olivier Messiaen. During his time in Paris, Garant was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and began to develop his own unique voice as a composer. Upon returning to Canada, Garant began to establish himself as a leading figure in the Canadian classical music scene. He served as the conductor of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra from 1969 to 1972, and later founded the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec, which became an important platform for the performance and promotion of new music in Canada. Throughout his career, Garant was known for his innovative approach to composition, which often incorporated elements of electronic music and avant-garde techniques. His works were performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. One of Garant's most notable works is his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1971. The piece is known for its complex rhythms and intricate orchestration, and has been hailed as a masterpiece of Canadian classical music. Garant's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1973, he was awarded the Prix Denise-Pelletier, which is considered the highest honor for artistic achievement in Quebec. He was also made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1981, and was awarded the Prix du Québec in 1990. Despite his many accomplishments, Garant's life was cut short by cancer in 1986. He was just 57 years old at the time of his death, but his legacy as a composer and conductor continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers around the world.

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