Canadian Music: Timeline

Year

Event

1867

Confederation: Music-making in Canada started before Confederation. Early settlers brought their own traditions. Aboriginal peoples also performed music socially and ceremonially for centuries.

1890

Canadian piano boom begins: Canadian pianos became popular because they were strong and could handle tough weather.

1902

Oldest orchestra in Canada formed: The Société symphonique de Québec was the first orchestra in Canada.

1918

Sir Ernest MacMillan earns Oxford doctorate while interned as prisoner of war: During WWI, he was a prisoner of war in Germany and still led music performances.

1920

Robert Nathaniel Dett writes essay “The Emancipation of Negro Music”: A Canadian composer wrote a famous essay about African American music.

1923

Toronto Symphony Orchestra forms: The Toronto Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert.

1939

Claude Champagne returns to Montreal: A composer comes back to Montreal and teaches music.

1945

Hugh Le Caine invents the “electronic sackbut”: A Canadian made the first voltage-controlled synthesizer.

1960

The rise of Canadian female composers: Women composers became more important in Canada.

1962

Oscar Peterson writes “Hymn To Freedom”: A song he wrote became important during the civil rights movement.

1964

Buffy Sainte-Marie releases “Universal Soldier”

1965

Anne of Green Gables–The Musical opens in PEI

1968

Robert Charlebois releases “Lindberg”

1970

Anne Murray’s “Snowbird” is certified gold by the RIAA

1970

The Guess Who releases “American Woman”

1971

R. Murray Schafer composes No Longer Than 10 Minutes

1978

TSO becomes the first Canadian orchestra to tour China after the Cultural Revolution

1979

National Film Board releases Log Driver’s Waltz

1980

Healey Willan & Emma Albani become first Canadian musicians featured on a Canada Post stamp

1980

“O Canada” becomes official national anthem

1981

Rush releases Moving Pictures

1983

The Tragically Hip forms in Kingston

1984

Leonard Cohen releases “Hallelujah”

1985

Angela Hewitt wins Toronto International Bach Competition

1996

Canadian women dominate the GRAMMY® Awards

1997

Lilith Fair goes on tour

1999

Céline Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” wins two GRAMMY® Awards

1999

Howard Cable appointed member of the Order of Canada

2006

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts opens in Toronto

2013

Mychael Danna wins an Oscar and Golden Globe for Life of Pi score

2014

Tanya Tagaq wins the Polaris Music Prize

2016

Yannick Nézet-Séguin named Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera

2016

Drake releases his fourth studio album, Views

2017

Canada Mosaic

Canadian Music: From Folk Traditions to International Pop Stars

Canadian Music: Music in Canada reflects a blend of influences from Indigenous Peoples, Irish, British, and French cultures, as well as American influences due to proximity. America also influences Canadian music because they are close. Since the 1600s, Canada has had its composers and musicians. Different parts of Canada have their music scenes.

The Juno Awards and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame celebrate Canadian musicians. “O Canada” became Canada’s national anthem in 1980, but patriotic music in Canada has been around for over 200 years. Let us learn more!

Similar Reads

Canadian Music Overview

Canadian music includes many different kinds of music. It comes from the different cultures that make up Canada, like British, French, and Indigenous cultures. Musicians in Canada play all sorts of music, from folk songs to pop songs. Some Canadian musicians are famous around the world. They make music that people in other countries like to listen to. Canadian music is always changing and growing with new styles and sounds being created all the time....

Canadian Music History

Canadian music history is a blend of many cultural influences. Indigenous peoples, Irish, British, and French all contributed to Canada’s musical heritage. Over time, American culture also influenced Canadian music due to their proximity. Since the 1600s, Canada has produced its composers and musicians. Different regions of Canada have their unique music scenes....

Canadian Music: Timeline

Year Event 1867 Confederation: Music-making in Canada started before Confederation. Early settlers brought their own traditions. Aboriginal peoples also performed music socially and ceremonially for centuries. 1890 Canadian piano boom begins: Canadian pianos became popular because they were strong and could handle tough weather. 1902 Oldest orchestra in Canada formed: The Société symphonique de Québec was the first orchestra in Canada. 1918 Sir Ernest MacMillan earns Oxford doctorate while interned as prisoner of war: During WWI, he was a prisoner of war in Germany and still led music performances. 1920 Robert Nathaniel Dett writes essay “The Emancipation of Negro Music”: A Canadian composer wrote a famous essay about African American music. 1923 Toronto Symphony Orchestra forms: The Toronto Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert. 1939 Claude Champagne returns to Montreal: A composer comes back to Montreal and teaches music. 1945 Hugh Le Caine invents the “electronic sackbut”: A Canadian made the first voltage-controlled synthesizer. 1960 The rise of Canadian female composers: Women composers became more important in Canada. 1962 Oscar Peterson writes “Hymn To Freedom”: A song he wrote became important during the civil rights movement. 1964 Buffy Sainte-Marie releases “Universal Soldier” 1965 Anne of Green Gables–The Musical opens in PEI 1968 Robert Charlebois releases “Lindberg” 1970 Anne Murray’s “Snowbird” is certified gold by the RIAA 1970 The Guess Who releases “American Woman” 1971 R. Murray Schafer composes No Longer Than 10 Minutes 1978 TSO becomes the first Canadian orchestra to tour China after the Cultural Revolution 1979 National Film Board releases Log Driver’s Waltz 1980 Healey Willan & Emma Albani become first Canadian musicians featured on a Canada Post stamp 1980 “O Canada” becomes official national anthem 1981 Rush releases Moving Pictures 1983 The Tragically Hip forms in Kingston 1984 Leonard Cohen releases “Hallelujah” 1985 Angela Hewitt wins Toronto International Bach Competition 1996 Canadian women dominate the GRAMMY® Awards 1997 Lilith Fair goes on tour 1999 Céline Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” wins two GRAMMY® Awards 1999 Howard Cable appointed member of the Order of Canada 2006 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts opens in Toronto 2013 Mychael Danna wins an Oscar and Golden Globe for Life of Pi score 2014 Tanya Tagaq wins the Polaris Music Prize 2016 Yannick Nézet-Séguin named Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera 2016 Drake releases his fourth studio album, Views 2017 Canada Mosaic...

Canadian Music List of Top 25 Canadian Artists

Here is the List of Top 25 Canadian Artists:...

Conclusion

Canadian music has a diverse history with many influences. From indigenous traditions to modern pop stars, Canada has produced a wide range of talented musicians. Despite challenges like changes in technology and the music industry, Canadian artists continue to succeed both at home and internationally....

Related Articles

List of Top Universities in Canada List of Popular Tourist Attractions in Canada: Top 10 List List of Cities in Canada...

FAQs on Canadian Music: From Folk Traditions to International Pop Stars

What type of music is traditional in Canada?...

Contact Us