Pelletier, << pehl uh TYAY >> Wilfrid (1896-1982), became one of the most important figures in Canadian classical music during the 1900’s. Pelletier made significant contributions to Canadian music as a conductor, administrator, and educator.
Pelletier was the music director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra from 1935 until 1941. A symphony’s music director’s duties include serving as the principal conductor of the orchestra and choosing the music it will perform. While with the Montreal Symphony, Pelletier founded a series of children’s concerts in 1935. In 1942, he cofounded the Quebec Music Conservatory. He directed it until 1961. From 1951 to 1966, Pelletier was music director of the Quebec Symphony Orchestra. He became director of music education for the Quebec Ministry of Cultural Affairs in 1961 and held that position for nearly 10 years.
Joseph Louis Wilfrid, sometimes spelled Wilfred, Pelletier was born on June 20, 1896, in Montreal. After studying music in Paris in 1916 and 1917, he moved to New York City and joined the staff of the Metropolitan Opera. He conducted regularly at the Metropolitan from 1928 until 1950. Pelletier also made numerous recordings as a classical pianist during the 1920’s and 1930’s, alone and in duets with the American pianist Arthur Loesser. Pelletier died in New York City on April 9, 1982.
