Christopher Jackson

Christopher Donald Jackson (27 July 1948 – 25 September 2015) was a Canadian organist, harpsichordist and choral conductor. He is best known as a specialist in the performance of Renaissance music, and as the co-founder and long time conductor of the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal. Early life and education Jackson was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He graduated from the École de musique Vincent-d'Indy and the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal. Career As a young man, Jackson worked as an organ builder. He began teaching at Concordia University in 1973. Jackson co-founded both the Société des Concerts d'orgue de Montréal and the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal in 1974. He became the artistic director of the latter institutions in 1988. He conducted the ensemble in several recordings, including the 1998 Heavenly Spheres, which was awarded a Félix Award from the ADISQ and the Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year – Vocal or Choral Performance in 2000. Jackson taught at the music faculties of Concordia University and McGill University. He was Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Concordia University from 1994 to 2005. He also held the post of organist and choirmaster at a variety of churches in Montreal, including Eglise Tres-Saint-Nom de Jesus, and St. George's Anglican Church.