John Canarina

1934 - 2025

John Canarina, 91, passed away on August 25, 2025, at his home in Savannah, Georgia. John was born in New York City, the son of John and Mary Canarina. He grew up in Tuckahoe, New York, and graduated from Eastchester High School in Tuckahoe in 1952. He earned a music scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music. where he received his BS in 1957 and his MS in 1958. After graduating in 1958, John was drafted into the US Army (1959-1960) where he was a conductor of the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra stationed in Germany and spent his active duty touring and playing to audiences throughout Europe.

John aspired to be a conductor from the age of 11. His teachers included: Frederick Zimmermann of the New York Philharmonic for Double Bass (1951-1958); Jean Morel at Juilliard for conducting studies (1954-1958); and Pierre Monteux at his summer conducting school in Hancock, Maine (1953-1958, 1961).

John was appointed Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein's direction (1961-1962). He was Conductor and Music Director of the Jacksonville, Florida, Symphony Orchestra (1962-1969). He conducted for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony and many other orchestras throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In 1973, John was appointed Director of Orchestral Studies at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, until his retirement after 35 years.

Active as a critic and writer, he authored three books: "Uncle Sam's Orchestra: Memories of the Seventh Army Symphony," "Pierre Monteux, Maitre" and "The New York Philharmonic: from Bernstein to Maazel." John was a man whose passion was music.

After his retirement John and his wife Audrey settled in Savannah, GA. John was a quiet, gentle man possessing kindness and integrity along with a wry sense of humor. In Savannah he was a supporter of the Philharmonic Orchestra when in 2011 he launched pre-concert talks to provide insight into their concert series. He continued to play the piano and when he wasn't playing music, he enjoyed listening to his collection of classical music, cheering on the New York Yankees, and reading his many books. He will be sorely missed.

John was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Canarina and his brother Arnold. He is survived by his wife Audrey Ashby, her daughter Linda Ashby Olson, her husband James Olson; nieces and nephews: Catherine Wright, Christopher Canarina, Charles Canarina, Wayne Bajcar, Debra Wilson; and cousins: Barbara Savino and Frank Gruber.

A remembrance for family and friends will be held later this year. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Pierre Monteux School and Music Festival, PO Box 457, Hancock, ME 04640.