Joseph Vézina

[1] As a youngster, Vézina briefly studied under Calixa Lavallée but, for the most part, he was a self-taught musician.

[1] Vézina later went on to found and direct a number of military, amateur and professional orchestras, most notably the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec (1902-until his death).

He died before completing a fourth opera: La Grosse Gerbe, adapted from a poem of Léon-Pamphile Le May.

[1] Throughout his career, Vézina's work as a teacher, musician, conductor, composer and active champion for his art made him the central figure in Quebec City's cultural life.

He helped found the music school of Laval University in 1922 and taught there until his death.