Death of a leading voice teacher
mainThe Schulich School of Music at McGill University, Montreal, has announced the death of Winston Purdy, professor of voice:
“Winston Purdy’s association with McGill is one of the longest relationships to be found among our faculty” says Stéphane Lemelin, Chair of Performance at the Schulich School of Music. “He entered McGill University as a student in 1959 studying clarinet and composition and graduating with a Bachelor of Music in 1964, before developing an active singing career with a specialization in oratorio and art song. As a member of the voice faculty at McGill since 1973, he has inspired several generations of young singers. His devotion to his students, the depth of his musicianship and his passion for teaching were recognized by a Faculty Teaching Award in 2005. His warm and thoughtful presence will be greatly missed by all members of this community.”
I was a friend and colleague of Winston Purdy’s at McGill where we performed music from 17th century French lute songs to 20th century music by Hans Werner Henze. A wonderful man and a wonderful musician.
I knew Winston as a child in NDG….I remember vividly when he received his clarinet…..our parents were great friends of his, Oscar and Eileen……his brother, David, and I were close friends in our pre teen years…….Just discovered this information…..I fondly remember Winston.