History

The establishment of a Department of Music at Brandon College in 1906 introduced a Conservatory style of music instruction to the Western Manitoba community. College-level students, as well as younger musicians, studied with the first Director, Abby Vining. From 1907 to 1947, under the direction of William Lewis Wright, the Department’s instruction and itsinnovative diploma programs brought national recognition tomusic at Brandon College.

Under the directorship of Lorne Watson (1948-81) university music courses were added, leading in 1963 to the offering of university degrees in music. At the same time a re-organization resulted in the creation of a School of Music with two mandates: the university program and the Conservatory Department. The first Supervisor of the Conservatory was Peggy A. Sharpe, who was succeeded in 1981 by Dr. Watson. The year 1987 introduced more  autonomy, increased status and name changing: the supervisor became the Director of the Brandon University Conservatory of Music. Since Dr. Watson’s retirement in 1991, Marilyn Wiwcharuk (1992-95), Joan Linklater (1995-99) and Mary Jo Carrabré (1999-) assumed this position.

In 1991, to commemorate the life and music of Sophie-Carmen Eckhardt-Gramatté, Dr. Ferdinand Eckhardt bestowed on Brandon University the generous gift that established the Eckhardt-Gramatté Music Development Fund. The Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music was named in her honour by the Brandon University Board of Governors on March 1992, and dedicated on May 1, 1992. The Conservatory is fortunate that through the generosity of musically interested friends of Brandon University, several funds have been established which will help ensure the integrity of Conservatory programs well into the future.

The Conservatory Development Fund

The Conservatory Development Fund was established in recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the School of Music and the 40th Anniversary of the arrival on campus of Dr. Lorne Watson as Director of Music of what was in 1948 Brandon College. Donations to this Fund will be gratefully received. For further information please contact the Brandon University Development Office.

The Conservatory Special Award Program

The Conservatory Special Award Program was established in 1998 – 1999 to make it possible for deserving students to participate in Conservatory Programs, regardless of financial need. Students can apply annually for financial assistance from the Conservatory Special Awards Program or the Brandon Conservatory Chorale Special Awards Fund.