Canadian composer David L. McIntyre is renowned for his extensive catalog of original works, which have earned a prominent place in contemporary classical music. For three years, he served as the composer-in-residence for the Regina Symphony Orchestra, a role that allowed him to actively shape his creative vision. McIntyre has built a reputation as a leading creator of piano music, with his pieces gaining recognition not just in Canada, but on the international stage. Read more about the composer’s biography, career, and finest compositions on edmonton-trend.
David McIntyre’s Early Years and Education in Canada
Born in Edmonton in 1950, David showed a deep love for music from an early age, dreaming of becoming a composer and pianist. He started piano lessons with his uncle Roy at just four years old. After earning his ARCT diploma in 1969, he studied piano and composition at the University of Calgary (Bachelor of Music), the Banff Centre, and the University of Southern Mississippi (Master of Music). In 1976, he relocated to Regina. He spent three years as the composer-in-residence for the Regina Symphony Orchestra, working closely with top-tier musicians. His most influential mentors include pianist Boris Roubakine and composer Luigi Zaninelli. Until 1995, David taught piano and composition at the Canadian Bible College, before joining the faculties at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan.
Career and Collaborations with Symphony Orchestras and Musicians
As an associate composer with the Canadian Music Centre, McIntyre stands out as one of Canada’s most sought-after creators of piano music. His piece A Wild Innocence was a mandatory performance requirement at the 2011 Montreal International Musical Competition. Similarly, Butterflies & Bobcats was a test piece for the 2004 Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition. Today, his compositions are performed and broadcast worldwide. David actively collaborates with numerous acclaimed singers and instrumentalists. His discography features recordings made alongside artists like Sophie Bouffard, Lynn Channing, William Clark, and John Griffiths. He dedicates a significant amount of his time to vocal, choral, and chamber music, constantly expanding his catalog in these genres.
Playful, witty, passionate, rhythmic, melodic, and touching—these words perfectly capture the essence of David McIntyre’s music. Since the 1970s, he has built an impressive body of concert, educational, and sacred music that resonates deeply with both performers and audiences. Whether writing for solo piano, organ, voice, choir, chamber ensemble, or a full orchestra, his works evoke profound emotions, a sense of hope, and a zest for life. Performers particularly appreciate his music for its idiomatic writing and natural feel for the instruments.
Being a professional pianist himself, McIntyre ensures that every piece he writes is meticulously crafted and rich in nuance. He composed his Second Piano Sonata as a MusiCanada 2000 commission for Angela Hewitt. Butterflies & Bobcats was created for solo piano, commissioned by the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition. David has also written extensively for young piano students. During his tenure as the composer-in-residence for the Regina Symphony Orchestra, he produced several captivating orchestral works that premiered with the Saskatchewan Symphony Orchestra. Symphony No. 1 (2000), Piano Concerto (2003), and Violin Concerto (2008) have all been broadcast on CBC networks.
Major Works and Impact on the Development of Piano Music
The composer’s favorite genre is chamber music featuring the piano. He has penned numerous vibrant concert sonatas for various orchestral instruments accompanied by piano, ranging from his Sonata for Trumpet to his Second Violin Sonata for Erika Raum. As a member of the Contrasts Trio, playing alongside violinist Eduard Minevich and clarinetist Pauline Minevich, David composed several pieces specifically for this ensemble, including:
- Hybrids.
- Chocolates.
- Winter Gardens.
David’s passion for literature shines through in his vivid vocal and choral works. He has drawn inspiration from Shakespearean texts, the Bible, and the poetry of distinguished Canadian writers like John V. Hicks, Tom Moore, and Anne Szumigalski. His 1998 opera, Sea Change, was a collaborative effort with librettist Joanne Gerber. Working as a vocal accompanist and collaborator inspired him to write a multitude of songs for artists such as Lynn Channing, William Clark, Floyd Gadd, Ben Heppner, Kathryn May, and Catherine Whitney. McIntyre has received choral commissions from the Saskatchewan Choral Federation, the Ottawa Cantata Singers, the Elizabethan Singers of Regina, the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors, and several churches across North America.
David’s emotional and dynamic music has naturally led to collaborations with various dancers and choreographers. He has worked with artists like Peggy Baker, Connie Moker Wernikowski, Elaine Hanson, and Robin Poitras to create compelling new dramatic performances.
McIntyre’s catalog of published works continues to expand. The majority of his music is available through his own publishing company, Roy Street Music. While he primarily works as a freelance composer and pianist, he also serves as the organist at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Regina and occasionally takes on roles as a guest conductor, harpsichordist, and adjudicator. Beyond music, his creative life is enriched by his love for gardening, cooking, languages, birdwatching, and architecture.
