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Victor Davies fonds
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1 folder of textual material + 2 photographs
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Name of creator
Biographical history
Born in Winnipeg in 1939, Victor Davies studied piano from the age of five. As a teenager, he continued his studies as well as singing in church and school choirs, university musicals, and leading and playing in rock and jazz bands during his high school and university years. While in pre-medicine at the University of Manitoba, he studied composition full time. Enrolling in Indiana University in 1960 he graduated with a B.Mus in composition in 1964. He returned to Winnipeg where he began his varied career as a composer, pianist and conductor. His works include two children's musicals, two contemporary dance scores, three symphony works, a rock musical and many other works. Through connections with Ben Horch, who was an influential Mennonite musician, and through funding of the B.B. Fast Foundation, Davies composed The Mennonite Piano Concertowhich premiered in 1975. It was subsequently recorded in 1983 with pianist Irmgard Baerg and the London Symphony Orchestra. Some years later, William (Bill) Baerg, of Concord College recruited Davies to produce an oratorio for the Mennonite community. The B.B. Fast foundation was again asked to help fund this project. The fruit of Davies labor was realized in 1996 whenRevelation made its world premier with the Mennonite Oratorio Choir, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, all under the direction of Bramwell Tovey in Winnipeg. Since moving to Toronto in 1977, Victor Davies has received commissions from the Oxford String Quartet, Famous People Players, CJRT radio, CBC radio, the National Film Board, Canadian Piano Trio, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Fanfare Records. He has served as President of the Canadian League of Composers and on the board of the Canadian Music Centre.
Custodial history
The records of Victor Davies came to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet archives as part of several transfers of records from the RWB and the RWB Alumni Association.
Scope and content
The Victor Davies fonds includes the following series: biographical information [1982-1990]; alumni questionnaire [1991]; newspaper articles (1997); catalogue of works (1984); and photographs (1986).
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Restrictions on access
No restrictions on access. Access to some sound recordings and moving images may be restricted for preservation reasons due to the age and fragility of the original storage media.
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
The responsibility for conforming with copyright, libel and privacy legislation lies with the researcher.
Finding aids
File level inventory is available.
Associated materials
Library and Archives Canada also houses material pertaining to Victor Davies.
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
Accompanying material
See also the records of The Big Top found in the music files (MU/OMU) and in the audio-visual collection.
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Status
Final