Bassoon legend and White Rock Concerts’ Artistic Director Emeritus, George Zukerman, O.C., O.B.C. spent a lifetime divided between concert performance and concert organization, and introduced the bassoon to countless audiences all over the world. In 1956, he launched White Rock Concerts while still serving as a member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and John Avison’s CBC Vancouver Radio Orchestra. He maintained the post of White Rock’s Artistic Director while simultaneously embarking on a world-wide concert career during which he received wide international acclaim as a virtuoso bassoon soloist and recording artist. He retired from the concert stage in 2012.

For many years, parallel to his performing career, Mr. Zukerman maintained an active profile as one of Canada’s leading impresarios. He specialized in community organization, particularly for smaller centres. His Overture Concerts organization in its 1970’s heyday, presented hundreds of concerts throughout the West and North of Canada. White Rock was one of his earliest community organizations.

Before Mr. Zukerman achieved success in his solo career, the bassoon was seldom seen anywhere except in the back ranks of a symphony. He was the first soloist on the instrument ever invited to tour with symphony orchestras and in recital around the globe. Well respected throughout the Canadian music scene, he has contributed, over the past four decades, to the career development of many young artists in Canada.

Mr. Zukerman held close ties to the School of Music at UBC, and supported the development of young musicians in many ways, including bringing student performers to the stage of the White Rock Concert Series.

To honour George’s life and accomplishments, friends and family have created the George Zukerman Memorial Fund. Your gift will pay tribute to George’s life by supporting students in the School of Music at UBC. Final decisions on the award description and student eligibility will be made in consultation with the family.