We are profoundly saddened to hear the news that John Beckwith has passed away.
A founding member of the Canadian League of Composers and the Canadian Music Centre, John had a profound impact on the history and development of Canadian music. During his seven-decade-long career, he composed over 160 works, including multiple operas, large orchestral pieces, and choral works. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1987 and awarded the Canadian Conference of the Arts Diplôme d’Honneur in 1996.
In addition to his work as a composer, John was an active teacher and educator for nearly 40 years, joining the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music in 1952 and eventually serving as dean of the faculty from 1970-1977. Among his students were Alice Ping-Yee Ho, Omar Daniel, James Rolfe, and John Burge, to name just a few.
John’s presence will be deeply missed by many, but especially by his partner Kathleen, and his son, Larry. Our thoughts and wishes are with them during this difficult time.
There will be a tribute to John on CBC Music’s About Time with host Tom Allen on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
