Clarke, Douglas, 1893-1962

Douglas Clarke was born in Reading, England, and received his musical training at Reading University and at Cambridge, where he earned B.A. and Mus. B. degrees. He practiced as an accompanist, and studied composition under Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Charles Wood. In 1927, Clarke came to Winnipeg as conductor of the Philharmonic Society and the Winnipeg Male Choir. In 1929, he was appointed Director of the McGill University Conservatorium, and in 1930, Dean of the Faculty of Music. In the same year, Clarke was invited to be guest conductor of the newly formed Montréal Orchestra, and shortly thereafter was asked to become its permanent director. He held this post for more than a decade. Clarke also performed as a pianist and guest conductor, and published both vocal and instrumental works. He passed away in 1962.