Murray Adaskin was notable among Canadian composers both for the quality of his music and for a second wind of activity late in his career. He was probably better known, however, as a violinist, conductor, and educator during most of his lifetime, since a sizable portion of his most important works was written after his 1973 retirement. His compositional style is related to the neo-classicism of Stravinsky and to the colorful manner of Darius Milhaud, a mentor. Adaskin's music is finely crafted, generally optimistic, and quite accessible, making one wonder why it hasn't gained wider currency. As a conductor, Adaskin never achieved international acclaim, but was generally admired in his homeland during his five-year tenure at the helm of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. His vigor both as a musical educator in Canada and as an indefatigable composer sets him apart from most of his contemporaries. Adaskin's works have appeared on a variety of labels over the years, including CMC, Musica Viva, and CBC. Murray Adaskin was born in Toronto on March 28, 1906. Two of his three brothers were also accomplished musicians: John was a cellist and radio producer; Harry was a violinist and radio broadcaster. The latter also served as young Murray's first music teacher. In his youth Adaskin studied with Bruckner pupil Luigi von Kunits (in Toronto). He later studied violin with Marcel Chailley, and in 1923 joined the violin section of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Adaskin departed the TSO in 1936, and two years later founded the Royal York (later Adaskin) Trio, which was active until 1952. This period was critical to Adaskin on another front: he studied composition with John Weinzweig from 1944-1948 and with Milhaud from 1949-1950 and again in 1953. Adaskin chaired the music department at Saskatchewan University from 1952-1966, and in the middle of this period served as music director of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (1956-1961). Among his most important early works are the Algonquin Symphony (1957-1958) and There Is My People Sleeping (1970). After his 1973 retirement and relocation to Vancouver Island (Victoria), Adaskin remained quite active as a composer, turning out nearly half his output over the next quarter century or so. Among his most important works from this period is his 1990 Concerto for Orchestra, considered by many to be among his greatest masterpieces. His last composition, Musica Victoria, was written in 2000.