Leon Zukert (4 May 1904 - 29 May 1992) was a Canadian composer, conductor, arranger, violinist, violist and radio pioneer of Ukrainian descent. He was married to the poet Ella Bobrow, with whom he collaborated on many songs.
Early life and education
Zukert was born in Poltava, Ukraine, to a Jewish family. From 1916 to 1918, Zukert studied violin with Boris Brodsky at the Imperial Musical Society School in Poltava. During the Russian Revolution, his father was arrested and died in prison; the family moved to Poland.
Career.
In Poland, Zuckert worked in a logging operation and then as a cellist, playing first in cafes and later in a military orchestra.
He later moved to Argentina, where he lived for six years, playing music to accompany film screenings and in a symphony orchestra.
In 1929, he immigrated to Canada, joining his family in Toronto, where he briefly played violin in a radio orchestra.
He later moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he played with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
In the 1930s, he hosted a radio show of violin and piano music, To the Wild Rose, for the CBC (then known as the CRC, or Canadian Radio Commission). He organised the 16-piece ensemble Los Pamperos, which he led during the show, arranging much of the music himself.
Later, Zuckert toured with a number of orchestras, stage companies and dance groups in Canada and the United States.
He played with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1951 to 1956.
In 1963-1965 and 1967-1969 he was assistant conductor and principal violinist of the Halifax Symphony Orchestra.
In 1974, he was commissioned by the CBC to compose Fantasia on Ukrainian Themes, which was premiered at the Winnipeg Centennial Festival. He was also commissioned to compose an orchestral setting of Tedel's Hodel, which was performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
He retired to Toronto, where he died on 29 May 1992.
Selected works
"Quintet de la Luna de Mar.
"The Quetico" - soundtrack to the symphonic suite
Along the Gypsy Paths (CD)
"Fantasy on Ukrainian themes"
"In the glow of the northern lights" (oratorio)
