Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

August 18, 1893 in Mimico, ON

Death

:

May 6, 1973 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Ernest MacMillan was a Canadian composer, conductor, and organist who made significant contributions to the development of classical music in Canada. He was born on August 18, 1893, in Mimico, Ontario, Canada, to a family of musicians. His father, John MacMillan, was a church organist, and his mother, Mary MacMillan, was a pianist. Ernest MacMillan showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. MacMillan's musical education began at the Toronto Conservatory of Music, where he studied piano, organ, and composition. He later continued his studies in London, England, where he studied with renowned composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst. MacMillan's time in London was a formative period in his career, and he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and traditions. Upon returning to Canada, MacMillan became a prominent figure in the Canadian music scene. He was appointed the organist and choirmaster at Toronto's Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in 1920, a position he held for over 20 years. He also served as the conductor of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir from 1921 to 1957, and as the conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1931 to 1956. MacMillan's compositions were heavily influenced by his experiences in England, and he was known for his use of traditional British folk melodies in his works. One of his most famous compositions is his arrangement of the Canadian folk song "The Skye Boat Song," which has become a staple of Canadian choral music. MacMillan also composed a number of orchestral works, including his "Two Sketches on French Canadian Airs" and his "Suite for Strings." In addition to his work as a composer, MacMillan was also a respected conductor. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. He conducted a number of important premieres, including the Canadian premiere of Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem" in 1963. MacMillan's contributions to Canadian music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1967, and he was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal in 1971. He was also awarded honorary degrees from a number of Canadian universities, including the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia. Ernest MacMillan died on May 6, 1973, at the age of 79. His legacy as a composer, conductor, and educator continues to be felt in Canada and beyond. His commitment to promoting Canadian music and his dedication to excellence in performance have inspired generations of musicians and music lovers.

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