Memorable Manitobans: John McTaggart (c1873-1953)

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John McTaggart
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Choir director.

Born at Liverpool, England around 1873, of Scottish descent, he taught harmony and counterpoint at a conservatory near London and later went to Scotland where he was an organist and choirmaster in several churches. He also conducted Scottish orchestras.

Coming to Winnipeg, he was a noted vocal teacher, organist, choirmaster, and orchestral conductor. For a few years he led a group of 65 musicians in an attempt to establish a symphony orchestra in Winnipeg. He directed the studio choir of CKY Radio. He lectured on public speaking at St. John’s College and was later Head of Vocal and Elocution at the Bornoff School of Music and taught classes at the Shinn Conservatory.

In October 1952, he moved to Selkirk where he died on 15 July 1953. He was buried in the St. Clements Cemetery.

Sources:

“John McTaggart,” Manitoba Calling, Vol. 12, No. 1, January 1948, page 11.

“Pioneer Winnipeg music expert dies,” Winnipeg Tribune, 17 July 1953.

“Local music pioneer dies in Selkirk,” Winnipeg Free Press, 18 July 1953, page 7.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 13 December 2022

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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