Canadian musicians who were born in 1929
Here are 9 famous musicians from Canada were born in 1929:
Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer (December 13, 1929 Toronto-) a.k.a. Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer, Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer, CC or Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer CC is a Canadian voice actor and actor. He has one child, Amanda Plummer.
His albums include The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and The Sound of Music.
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Michael Snow
Michael Snow (December 10, 1929 Toronto-) also known as Michael James Aleck Snow is a Canadian artist, film director, film editor, cinematographer, screenwriter, film producer, jazz musician, pianist, painter, sculptor, teacher, musician, visual artist and music artist.
His most recognized albums: The Last LP: Unique Last Recordings of the Music of Ancient Cultures.
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Serge Garant
Serge Garant (September 22, 1929 Quebec City-November 1, 1986 Sherbrooke) was a Canadian composer and conductor.
He studied at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal and later in Paris with renowned composer Olivier Messiaen. Garant became known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to composition, incorporating electronic music and graphic notation into his works. He also founded the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ) in 1966, which aimed to promote new works by Canadian composers and has since become one of the leading new music organizations in the country. Through his work with the SMCQ, Garant helped to raise the profile of contemporary Canadian classical music both domestically and internationally. He received numerous awards and recognition during his career, including the Molson Prize in 1982 and a posthumous Governor General's Performing Arts Award in 1987. Despite his success, Garant struggled with depression and alcoholism, and ultimately took his own life in 1986.
Garant's legacy continues to live on today through his influential contributions to the Canadian classical music scene. He composed over 80 works throughout his career, including orchestral and choral pieces, as well as works for solo instruments and small ensembles. His use of graphic notation, which involves the use of unconventional symbols and visuals to convey musical ideas, was particularly groundbreaking and inspired a new generation of Canadian composers. In addition to his work as a composer, Garant was also an accomplished conductor, leading orchestras across Canada and Europe. His commitment to promoting new and experimental music led him to collaborate with many other artists, including choreographers, visual artists, and filmmakers. These collaborations helped to expand the reach of contemporary classical music and promote interdisciplinary artistic expression. Today, the SMCQ continues to champion new Canadian music and Garant's legacy as a composer and advocate for the arts remains an important part of the country's cultural history.
Garant's music has been described as daring and dynamic, with a focus on exploring new sounds and techniques. He was particularly interested in the possibilities offered by electronic music, using synthesizers and other electronic instruments to create unique and innovative sounds. Garant was also committed to promoting cultural diversity and incorporating elements of Quebec and Canadian culture into his work, including traditional folk music and First Nations-inspired themes. He was known for his passionate and intense conducting style, and his performances were often accompanied by expressive physical gestures.
Despite his many accomplishments, Garant's personal struggles and tragic death remind us of the importance of supporting artists' mental health and wellbeing. His contributions to Canadian culture and music continue to inspire and influence new generations of composers and performers.
In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Serge Garant was also an influential educator. He taught at various institutions including the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal, McGill University, and the Université de Sherbrooke. His pedagogical approach was characterized by his commitment to helping students develop their own unique voices and encouraging them to experiment with new musical ideas. Many of his former students have gone on to become successful composers and performers in their own right, and his influence on Canadian music education can still be seen today.
Garant's impact on the Canadian arts scene was further recognized in 2001, when the Canadian Music Centre established the Serge Garant Award. The award is given out biennially to promising young composers who demonstrate a commitment to experimental and innovative music-making. This award serves as a reminder of Garant's legacy and his enduring influence on contemporary Canadian classical music.
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Joseph Rouleau
Joseph Rouleau (February 28, 1929 Matane-) is a Canadian singer.
He is known for his bass-baritone voice and has had a successful career as an opera singer. Rouleau began his musical training at a young age and later studied at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal. He then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City and made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1955. Rouleau has performed in many of the world's top opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. He has also been a member of the Order of Canada since 1985, and in 1990 he was inducted into the Canadian Opera Hall of Fame. In addition to his performing career, Rouleau has also taught at the Université de Montréal and has been a mentor to many up-and-coming singers.
Throughout his career, Joseph Rouleau has performed a variety of roles including Mephistopheles in Faust, Boris Godunov, and King Philip in Don Carlo. He was highly regarded for his powerful voice, excellent diction, and dramatic stage presence. In 1963, Rouleau founded the Montreal International Competition for Voice, which has become one of the world's most prestigious singing competitions. He also worked as the head of the Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal, where he helped launch the careers of many young singers. In addition to his numerous awards, Rouleau received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 1995. He is highly respected in the Canadian music industry and continues to be an important figure in the world of opera.
In addition to his performing and teaching career, Joseph Rouleau has also been an advocate for the arts and an influential figure in Canadian cultural diplomacy. He served as the first director of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and has played a key role in promoting Canadian cultural identity internationally. Rouleau has been a member of many important cultural organizations, including the Canada Council for the Arts and the National Arts Centre Foundation. He has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canadian culture. In his later years, Rouleau has focused on mentoring young singers and supporting organizations dedicated to the development of young musicians. He is widely regarded as a national icon and a leading figure in the history of Canadian opera.
Throughout his lifetime, Joseph Rouleau has also been an advocate for environmental and social causes. He was a founding member of the World Wildlife Fund Canada and served as the organization's president for many years, focusing on conservation efforts and promoting sustainable development. In recognition of his contributions to environmental advocacy, he was awarded the Governor General's Conservation Award in 1987. Rouleau has also been a strong supporter of Canadian indigenous communities and has worked to promote their cultural heritage and rights. He has been awarded the Order of Quebec and the Order of National Merit in France for his cultural and environmental contributions. Despite his many achievements and accolades, Rouleau has remained humble and dedicated to the advancement of the arts in Canada and beyond. He continues to inspire and mentor young singers and advocates for the protection of our planet's natural resources.
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Ursula Appolloni
Ursula Appolloni (December 7, 1929 Cavan-December 28, 1994 Ottawa) was a Canadian , .
Ursula Appolloni was a Canadian opera singer and voice teacher. She was born in Cavan, Ontario on December 7, 1929. She studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and later in New York City. Appolloni made her professional debut with the Canadian Opera Company in 1954 as Musetta in La Bohème. She went on to perform with the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Opera, and the San Francisco Opera, among others. In addition to her performing career, Appolloni was a respected voice teacher, serving on the faculties of several universities and conservatories across North America. She passed away in Ottawa on December 28, 1994.
Appolloni performed in over 25 roles during her career, including Marguerite in Faust, Mimi in La Bohème, and Violetta in La Traviata. She was known for her powerful soprano voice and her ability to convey emotion through her performances. In the later years of her life, Appolloni was diagnosed with breast cancer and became a strong advocate for cancer research and awareness. She remained active in the music community until her passing, teaching and performing whenever possible. Today, she is remembered as one of Canada's greatest opera singers and a respected voice teacher who touched the lives of many students throughout her career.
Appolloni received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the Order of Canada in 1976 and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario in 1985. Even after her passing, Appolloni's impact on the opera world continued to be felt. The Ursula Appolloni Memorial Scholarship, established in her honor, is awarded annually to promising young singers pursuing a career in opera. In addition, the Ursula Appolloni Vocal Competition is held biennially to celebrate her legacy and promote excellence in vocal performance. Today, Appolloni's contributions to the music world are remembered and celebrated by students and performers alike.
Aside from her successful career, Ursula Appolloni also made history by being the first Canadian to sing at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow in 1963. Her performance as Mimi in La Bohème was received with critical acclaim and made her a celebrated performer in the Soviet Union. Appolloni was also a regular performer on CBC Television's Opera Theatre and was featured in several notable productions. She also recorded various albums, including a solo recital album in 1972 which garnered positive reviews. In addition to her work as a voice teacher, Appolloni was also a mentor to young singers, shaping and guiding their careers. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring opera singers in Canada and beyond.
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Yehudi Wyner
Yehudi Wyner (June 1, 1929 Calgary-) is a Canadian conductor, composer and pianist.
He grew up in New York and studied music at Yale University and the Paris Conservatory. Wyner has won multiple awards for his compositions, including a Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2006 for his piano concerto "Chiavi in Mano." He has also conducted the Boston Symphony Orchestra and served as the director of the Yale Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his composing and conducting career, Wyner has also taught music at several prestigious universities, including Harvard and Brandeis. He is often noted for his unique blend of traditional tonality and more contemporary compositional techniques.
Wyner's musical career started at an early age when he began taking piano lessons at the age of five. His father, Lazar Weiner, was a composer and conductor, which led to Wyner growing up in a musical household. After completing his studies at Yale University, Wyner went on to study composition with Nadia Boulanger at the Paris Conservatory.
Throughout his career, Wyner has composed music for several mediums, including orchestral works, chamber music, operas, and liturgical works. He has received numerous commissions from renowned ensembles and has had his works premiered at prestigious concert halls such as Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonic.
In addition to his Pulitzer Prize, Wyner has won several other awards for his compositions, including two Guggenheim Fellowships, a Rome Prize, and the Elise L. Stoeger Award from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Along with his impressive career as a composer, Wyner has also conducted several prominent orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Berkshire Music Center Orchestra. He has served as the director of the Yale Symphony Orchestra and been a guest conductor for numerous orchestras worldwide.
Wyner has also taught music at Harvard University, Brandeis University, and the New England Conservatory of Music, among others. He helped found the composition program at the Yale School of Music and has been a prominent music educator throughout his career.
Today, Wyner is recognized as one of the leading composers and conductors of his generation, and his music continues to be performed and recorded by renowned musicians and ensembles worldwide.
In addition to his work as a composer, conductor, and educator, Yehudi Wyner has also been an active performer as a pianist. He has given recitals and performed as a soloist with several orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. He has also recorded several of his own works as a pianist.
Wyner has been an advocate for contemporary classical music and has worked to promote the works of other modern composers. He has been a member of various music organizations and has served as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the American Music Center.
Wyner's music has been praised for its complex harmonies and rhythms, as well as its emotional depth and connection to Jewish music traditions. He has described his music as an expression of his personal identity, as well as a reflection of broader cultural and historical themes.
Overall, Yehudi Wyner's contributions to the music world as a composer, conductor, pianist, and educator have been significant and influential. His work has helped shape the direction of contemporary classical music and has inspired and influenced several generations of musicians.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Wyner has remained humble about his successes and continues to place a strong emphasis on the importance of hard work and dedication. He has often encouraged aspiring musicians and composers to never give up on their dreams and to always strive to improve their craft. In an interview with NPR, Wyner once said, "Music is a journey that never ends, and I would hope that for any young artist, their journey is long and fulfilling."
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André Mathieu
André Mathieu (February 18, 1929 Montreal-June 2, 1968 Montreal) also known as Andre Mathieu was a Canadian composer.
His albums: .
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David Gell
David Gell (August 23, 1929 Canada-) is a Canadian disc jockey and television presenter.
David Gell started his career as a journalist before moving to the UK in the early 1960s to work for the BBC. He became a popular disc jockey on BBC Radio and hosted various music and entertainment shows on television. In 1969, he moved to Hong Kong and continued his career as a radio and television presenter. He hosted a highly popular music quiz show called "Pop Gear" which was broadcast across Asia. Gell also wrote several books including "The Book of Pop Chronicles" and "The Pop DJ's Encyclopedia". He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the music industry including the Medal of Honour from the Hong Kong government in 2002.
David Gell was born in Montreal, Canada and grew up in Toronto. He started his career after graduating from the University of Toronto in 1951, working for a number of newspapers and radio stations in Canada. He decided to move to England in the early 1960s after being offered a job at the BBC, where he quickly became one of the most popular disc jockeys on the network.
In addition to his work on the radio, Gell hosted several television shows, including "Top of the Pops" and "Thank Your Lucky Stars". He was also a regular contributor to music magazines such as Melody Maker and NME.
Gell left the BBC in 1969 to move to Hong Kong, where he continued his broadcasting career. He hosted a number of popular radio shows, including "Hong Kong Today" and "The David Gell Show". He also wrote several books on pop music, including "The Book of Pop Chronicles" and "The Pop DJ's Encyclopedia".
Gell was a prominent figure in the Asian entertainment industry, and his contributions were recognized with a number of awards. In addition to the Medal of Honour from the Hong Kong government, he was also awarded the Gold Medal in Broadcasting by the Royal Society of Arts in London in 1978. David Gell retired in 1981, but remains a respected figure in the world of music broadcasting.
Throughout his long and successful career, David Gell became known for his expertise in pop music, his keen sense of humour, and his easy-going personality. He was admired by his peers and loved by his audience, and his legacy can still be heard in the many recordings and archives of his shows that have been preserved over the years.
In the later years of his life, Gell maintained close ties to his home country of Canada, and continued to be involved in music broadcasting through his work with the Canadian radio and television networks. He also spent much of his free time travelling around Asia, exploring new cultures and attending concerts and festivals.
David Gell passed away on November 15, 1997, at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy that has influenced generations of music broadcasters and pop music lovers around the world. Despite his passing, his contributions to the world of broadcasting and music continue to be celebrated to this day.
David Gell was also known for introducing many new artists to the music scene, notably The Beatles, whom he introduced on "Thank Your Lucky Stars" in 1963. He was one of the first to recognize the band's potential and helped to popularize their music. Gell also had a passion for jazz music and was a regular attendee at festivals and concerts around the world. He was known for his extensive music collection and often played lesser-known tracks on his shows, introducing his audience to new sounds and genres. Gell also had a philanthropic side and frequently hosted charity telethons and events. He was a supporter of various causes, including children's charities and animal welfare organizations. David Gell's impact on the music industry and broadcasting will always be remembered and celebrated by those who knew and worked with him.
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Alcides Lanza
Alcides Lanza (June 2, 1929 Rosario-) a.k.a. Lanza, Alcides is a Canadian conductor.
Alcides Lanza is not only a conductor, but also a composer and pianist. He first gained recognition for his compositions in his home country of Argentina before moving to Canada in 1965. Lanza became a professor at the University of Victoria where he founded the Electronic Music Studio and went on to create over 100 works which have been performed and recorded internationally. In addition to his work in music, Lanza is a scholar and has written several articles on music composition and electronic music. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts, including the Canadian Music Centre's National Award in 2012.
Throughout his career, Lanza has also been known for advocating for avant-garde music and experimenting with new sounds and techniques. In the 1970s, he founded the Aventa Ensemble, a contemporary music ensemble that has performed works by some of the most influential composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. He has also collaborated with many other musicians and artists, including poets, dancers, and visual artists.
Lanza continues to teach and compose music today, and his works have been played by many orchestras and ensembles around the world. He is considered a pioneer of electronic music and one of Canada's most important contemporary composers. His contributions to music and the arts have had a significant impact on both the Canadian and international music communities.
In addition to his work as a composer, pianist, and conductor, Alcides Lanza has also played a significant role in music education. He has taught at a number of universities, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, and has been a visiting professor at institutions around the world. Lanza is known for his innovative teaching methods and for his commitment to bringing new and experimental music to his students.
Outside of his work in music, Lanza is also an accomplished visual artist. He has created a number of drawings, paintings, and sculptures, many of which have been exhibited in galleries and museums. Lanza's artwork often reflects his interest in music and technology, and many of his works feature abstract shapes and patterns that evoke the sounds of electronic music.
Despite his many accomplishments, Alcides Lanza remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He has said that his goal as a composer and performer is to create music that is "honest, direct, and true," and to share that music with as many people as possible. To this end, he continues to compose, perform, and teach, inspiring new generations of musicians and artists to push the boundaries of what is possible in music and beyond.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Alcides Lanza has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts. In addition to the Canadian Music Centre's National Award in 2012, he has been recognized with the Order of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Prix de musique contemporaine du Québec. He has also been the recipient of several large-scale commissions, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra's Millennium Symphony and the National Arts Centre Orchestra's The Sound of Time.
In addition to his many accomplishments in the world of music, Lanza has also been recognized for his contributions to education and culture. He has been a champion of cultural diversity and inclusion, and has worked to promote the work of marginalized and underrepresented artists. He has also been an advocate for the use of technology in the arts, and has made significant contributions to the development of electronic music and sound art.
At the age of 92, Alcides Lanza continues to be an active presence in the music world. He remains committed to the creation and performance of new and challenging works, and to the education and mentorship of young musicians and artists. Despite his many achievements, he remains grounded and humble, always seeking to learn and grow in his craft. His contributions to music and culture have had a profound impact on generations of artists, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence for years to come.
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