The NAC Orchestra loses one of its founding members

Summary: It was with great sadness the National Arts Centre (NAC) today learned of the death of Peter Smith, a clarinetist and one of the NAC Orchestra’s founding musicians. Mr. Smith died in Ottawa after a brief illness. He was 64.

It was with great sadness the National Arts Centre (NAC) today learned of the death of Peter Smith, a clarinetist and one of the NAC Orchestra’s founding musicians. Mr. Smith died in Ottawa after a brief illness. He was 64.

In addition to his colleagues in the NAC Orchestra, Mr. Smith leaves behind his wife Carolyn and their two children Adam and Stephanie.

In addition to lowering the NAC flag to half-mast, tonight’s National Arts Centre Orchestra concert will be dedicated to Peter Smith’s memory.

“Peter was a wonderful and dedicated musician,” said Pinchas Zukerman, NAC Orchestra Music Director. “We were lucky to have him all these years. Our hearts go out to his family. Peter will be sorely missed.”

Born in Australia, Peter Smith came to Ottawa at the age of one and received his early music education here.

Mr. Smith played clarinet at Ottawa’s Laurentian High School and continued his studies at the University of Toronto while freelancing on clarinet, saxophone and guitar. He has played in The Toronto Symphony, the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the University Opera Orchestra, the Stratford Opera Orchestra, as well as playing lead clarinet for Duke Ellington.

In 1965, he was the first winner in the woodwind category of the CBC National Young Performers Competition. He has performed extensively for the CBC and on numerous recordings.

A founding member of the Ayorama Woodwind Quintet and the Pierrot Ensemble, he also performed frequently in other chamber music groups. He also taught privately at the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and the Conservatoire de Gatineau.

Peter Smith’s funeral will take place at 2 p.m. on February 24 at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 971 Woodroffe Avenue in Ottawa.

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