Lavallee, Calixa

1842-1891

Canadian concert-pianist; born at Vercheres. He received his first instruction from his father. His first appearance as pianist was at the early age of ten. About five years later he entered the Paris Conservatory, where he studied piano under Marmontel, composition and instrumentation under Bazin and Boieldieu. In 1881 he was solo pianist of Mme. Gerster's first concert tour of the United States, when they gave many concerts and recitals of American composers' works in the principal cities, especially Cleveland and Boston. In 1886 and 1887 he was president of the Music Teachers' National Association and afterwards chairman of the Examining Committee of American Compositions. He was sent by them as a delegate to London in 1888 to the Conference of the Society of Professional Musicians. He lived in Boston for some time before his death, and was instructor at the Petersilea Academy. Among his compositions are two operas; an oratorio; a cantata; a symphony; two orchestral suites; several overtures; and many piano-pieces.