Harry Adaskin

2nd violin with the Quartet from 1924-1938

Violinist, educator, broadcaster, elder brother of Murray and John, Harry Adaskin, studied with Luigi von Kunits in Toronto, and later in Paris with the great French teachers Chailly and Sametini.

In 1923 he formed a duo with his future wife, pianist Frances Marr, which toured widely in Canada and abroad, often premiering Canadian compositions. From 1924-1938 he served as second violinist of the Hart House String Quartet.

Adaskin established the music program at the University of British Columbia in 1946, teaching there until 1973. An excellent raconteur whose musical insights were enriched by a knowledge of painting and literature, he was host of several CBC radio series commencing in 1938. In 1974 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.