Mario Bernardi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mario Bernardi
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Mario Bernardi (left), and Bramwell Tovey (right) in 2005
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| Born | 20 August 1930 Kirkland Lake, Ontario
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| Died | 2 June 2013 (aged 82) |
| Resting place | Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto |
| Occupation | conductor, pianist |
| Awards | Order of Canada |
Mario Bernardi (20 August 1930 – 2 June 2013) was a very talented Canadian musician. He was a famous conductor and pianist. A conductor leads an orchestra, making sure all the musicians play together. A pianist plays the piano. Mario Bernardi led 75 different operas. He also conducted over 450 other musical pieces. Many of these were with the National Arts Centre Orchestra.
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Mario Bernardi: A Musical Journey
Mario Bernardi was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, in 1930. He lived in Canada for his first six years. Then, his family moved to Italy. There, Mario studied music. He learned to play the piano and organ. He also learned how to write music. He studied at the Manzato Conservatory. He took his final music exams in Venice.
In 1945, Mario finished his studies. His family then moved back to Canada. He continued his music education in Toronto. He studied at The Royal Conservatory of Music. After that, he became a concert pianist. This means he performed piano concerts for audiences.
Becoming a Conductor
In 1957, Mario Bernardi started conducting. He led the Canadian Opera Company. An opera is a play where the story is told through singing. In 1963, he became an assistant conductor. He worked at the Sadler's Wells Opera Company. This company is now called the English National Opera. From 1966 to 1968, he was their music director. He conducted many of their Mozart operas.
In 1968, Mario Bernardi helped start something new. He became the first conductor of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. This orchestra is in Ottawa. In 1971, he also became their music director. He led this orchestra for many years.
Later, he led the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He was their conductor from 1984 to 1992. From 1983 to 2006, he was the main conductor. He worked for the CBC Radio Orchestra. The CBC is a Canadian broadcasting company.
Retirement and Legacy
Mario Bernardi retired from full-time work in 2006. He was 76 years old. But he still loved music! He continued to perform as a guest conductor. He worked with many different orchestras. In 1997, he was given a special title. He became the National Arts Centre Orchestra's conductor laureate. This means he was honored for his past work.
He also made many recordings. These recordings helped share his music. They were released by CBC Records. Mario Bernardi passed away in Toronto in 2013. He was 82 years old.
Personal Life
Mario Bernardi worked until he was 80 years old. After facing some health challenges, he moved to a care home. He continued to play the piano for a while. He stopped when it became too difficult for his fingers. Mario Bernardi was married. He had one daughter and two grandsons.
Honours and Awards
Mario Bernardi received many awards. These awards recognized his amazing musical talent.
- He received special degrees from many universities. These are called honorary degrees. They include degrees from the University of British Columbia and the University of Ottawa.
- In 1972, he became a Companion of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honours. It recognizes people who have made a big difference.
- In 1982, he received the Diplôme d'Honneur. This award came from the Canadian Conference of the Arts.
- In 1999, he received the National Arts Centre Award. This award is part of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.
- In 2001, he received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award. This was for his Lifetime Artistic Achievement. It celebrated his whole career.
- In 2006, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. This is a group of Canada's top scholars and artists.
