File 1 - Five year diary : 1946-1951

1 diary

File consists of George Brough's five-year diary, spanning the years 1946 to 1951. The diary covers his years in Halifax (1945-1947) and his early years in Toronto (1947-1951).

After immigrating to Canada in November 1945, Brough first settled in Halifax, where he taught at the Halifax Conservatory and was the organist at the Cathedral Church of All Saints. He performed regularly during this time, both as a soloist—including a series of organ recitals for CBC radio—and as a collaborative pianist. He regularly performed with Elizabeth Benson Guy, Leslie Holmes, Mariss Vētra, and Portia White, to name a few.

Inspired by a meeting with Sir Ernest MacMillan (May 14, 1947), Brough moved to Toronto in September of the same year. There he worked with various musicians and groups, including tours with Elizabeth Benson Guy, Gerhard Kander, Boris Hambourg, Murray Adaskin, Frances James, Portia White, and Joan Hammond. Brough also began what would become a long-standing relationship with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir (conducted by MacMillan) during this time, and crossed paths with various Toronto-based musicians, including Charles Peaker, Arnold Walter, Alberto Guerrero, Earle Moss, Healey Willan, and John Beckwith. In Toronto, Brough also started working as an examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music.

• English