John Beckwith

Full biography John Beckwith

John Beckwith was a prominent Canadian composer, musician, writer, and educator who made significant contributions to the Canadian music community. Born on March 9, 1927 in Victoria, British Columbia, he spent most of his life in the province of Ontario, where he studied music at the University of Toronto.

Beckwith was a prolific composer, with a career that spanned over six decades. He wrote more than 160 works, including four operas, chamber music, choral works and pieces for solo instruments. His music is known for its combination of traditional and modernist elements, and he was recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career, such as the Order of Canada.

Apart from composing, Beckwith was also an active music educator, and was a professor of music at the University of Toronto from 1952 until his retirement in 1990. He was known for his dedication to music education, and his passion for teaching influenced generations of Canadian musicians.

Throughout his career, Beckwith was also involved in various administrative roles, such as serving as the first president of the Canadian League of Composers and as the chairman of the Canadian Music Centre. He was also a writer, and contributed articles and reviews to various music publications.

Beckwith passed away on December 5, 2022 at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of music and education in the Canadian music community. His memoir, titled "Unheard Of", recounts his more than sixty years in creative output and music education , and provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of one of Canada's most celebrated musicians.