George Crum (1926 - 2007)
Music Director Emeritus
George Crum, Music Director Emeritus
Biography
George Crum, (1926 - 2007) Music Director Emeritus
For 33 years George Crum served as Music Director and Conductor of The National Ballet of Canada, from its inception in 1951 until 1984, when he was appointed Music Director Emeritus.
Born in 1926 in Providence, Rhode Island, Mr. Crum began piano and organ studies at the age of 12 in Port Hope. He made his Toronto debut at 16 and soon became a regular recitalist on CBC Radio. At the age of 22, Mr. Crum made his professional debut as an opera Conductor for the Royal Conservatory Opera, which later became the Canadian Opera Company.
George Crum first met Celia Franca in 1951 when she invited him to become Conductor for the newly formed National Ballet of Canada. During his tenure with the National Ballet, Mr. Crum provided orchestrations and arrangements for numerous works in the company's repertoire including: Princess Aurora, La Sylphide, Giselle, Les Sylphides and Offenbach in the Underworld.
Mr. Crum retired from the National Ballet in 1984 but continued to arrange orchestrations for dance and to appear as a guest conductor on numerous occasions. When he retired, the National Ballet named Mr. Crum Music Director Emeritus in tribute of his years of service and his many accomplishments. Mr. Crum passed away on September 8, 2007.