John Beckwith

John Beckwith is an acclaimed composer, music educator and writer. He was associated with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music from 1952, serving as dean (1970–77) and as the inaugural director of its Institute for Canadian Music (1985–90). His more than 150 compositions — including operas, orchestral works, chamber and solo works, songs and works for chorus — have attracted commissions and performances by leading ensembles and solo artists. He has edited or co-edited ten books and authored three, including Unheard Of: Memoirs of a Canadian Composer (2012). He was a music columnist and reviewer for the Toronto Star and has contributed articles and reviews to music journals in Canada, Britain, and the US. He has received honorary degrees from five Canadian universities, the Canadian Music Council Composer of the Year award, the Toronto Arts Award for music, the diplôme d’honneur of the Canadian Conference of the Arts, and the Friends of Canadian Music award. He is an honorary member of the Canadian University Music Society and the Société québécoise de recherche en musique, and a Member of the Order of Canada.