In Memoriam

Vivian Lee (1960-2023) was born and raised in Montreal and did most of her university studies at McGill University and L'université de Montréal.  She began her career as a freelance musician in the early 1980’s, and, amongst other gigs, made her OSM debut in the off-stage brass ensemble for Mahler’s 8th symphony at the Montreal Forum. She moved to  London, Ontario in 1986 with her baby daughter, Erica, and husband, David Martin, (also a noted trombonist and teacher), after he won the position of principal trombone with Orchestra London, Canada.  In 1987 Vivian won the position of second trombone with the Hamilton Philharmonic.  In 1990, she moved her family (by then another child, Travis, had been added)  back to Montreal after winning an audition for a one-year position as second trombone with the OSM, subsequently winning a permanent position in 1992.  Beyond participating in all the OSM activities during the subsequent 26 seasons, she played as a soloist and chamber musician at International Trombone Festivals, and as a chamber musician at the Women’s Brass Conference as well as giving several master classes and teaching trombone both at McGill University for several years, and privately.

Joan Thelma Watson (1953-2015) was one of Canada’s foremost horn soloists, principal horn, lecturer, and educator. She has been highly regarded as a consummate musician and skilled virtuoso. Her contributions across the country include serving as principal horn of the Canadian Opera Orchestra, founding member of True North Brass, associate principal horn of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for 14 seasons (having won the job while 8 months pregnant), and principal horn of the Esprit Orchestra, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, the Pacific Opera, and Vancouver Opera orchestras. She was also a highly sought-after hornist in the Toronto recording studios.  In anticipation of eventual retirement from performing, Joan purchased a second residence in Owen Sound, Ontario and passed away there in March of 2015 at the age of 61.  She posthumously received the Pioneer Award from the International Women's Brass Conference in 2019.