Mario Duschenes

I just read this now and had no idea that Mario passed away. I worked with him many times including a cbc television show playing trio sonatas. He was a wonderful musician and amazing at putting on imaginative children's concerts with the osm. He was also a wonderful kind man.
Peter Bowman

Wherever Mario might be - may he play his recorders in peace.
Christoph Seidemann

Mario gave me "music lessons for a child" in Geneva - I was 5-6 years old. I am sorry that we never met again.

I knew Mario when I was a little girl living in Geneva. He attended my parents' (Harald and Hannele Baruschke)boarding school, Les Rayons, in Gland. Later he stayed with us while studying at the conservatory. His mother, Grete Duschenes was my godmother. Thanks to him, I have always loved listening to the flute.

Greetings,
As promised, the CD IN MEMORIAM MARIO DUSCHENES is now available on line. To view, listen and/or purchase, go to classicsonline.com, click on "Labels", click again on "LANUI", and in the search box enter LAN0244. We invite your comments.
Aloha
Giv Cornfield
Orion Master Recordings, LLC

We were deeply saddened by this news. I had the pleasure of making many recordings with Mario, and in his memory am reissuing selections on a "in Memoriam" CD. You can contact me for details.

My deepest sympathies to the Duschenes family. Mario was a long time family friend, from days of CAMMAC (I went there as a child and took my children to this) and times visiting and being visited. He was warm, articulate, intelligent and charming - always pleasant company. I have many fond memories of him, which I will cherish.

Dear Jeremy, Monica, Michael, Peter and Christopher,
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
We haven't been in contact for many years, but I remember your father, mother, and all of you, fondly.
There was the wonderful time at Cammac, of course- over the course of several summers and at Thanksgiving at leaf-raking time; and marionnette making and show with you, Jeremy (L'histoire du soldat); as well as a lovely visit at your cottage where we cross-country skiied, and enjoyed the candles lighting the Chistmas tree. I still have your father's recorder method books.
Warmly

To Mario's family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mario. Mario was a strong but quiet presence in my many years of growing up at CAMMAC. His gentle ability to coach and encourage the love of music affected so many people young and old. I fondly remember Mario visiting London when I was eight years old and encourging me and other children to join him on stage to conduct the London Symphony Orchestra.
I will always remember Mario's winning presence on the tennis court, at the conductor's podium and as a quiet participation in many friendly gatherings at your cottage in the woods.
My heart goes out to each one of you. I wish I could be there this weekend to celebrate Mario's life with you.

I was saddened to hear of Mario's passing, and touched to remember him. He practically gave me my start some 30 years ago when he conducted a Bach concert for Radio-Canada, and asked me to play in the orchestra. Whenever I saw him I enjoyed his warmth and gentleness, and great curiosity. A great family man, an important musician and of course his work at CAMMAC has inflluenced thousands.He will be missed.

Mario Duchenes was a good neighbour to my family for many years. He obviously loved nature, the arts and his wonderful family. He was green way before it was trendy – I still remember his manual lawnmower. Our old neighbourhood, and indeed Canada and the World, is a lesser place without his soothing smile. He will be missed. Sincere condolences and sympathies to his family from the Demir’s.

David and I were saddened to learn of Mario's death and we send deepest sympathy to his children and grandchildren. So many associations with Mario are filled with music and we especially remember his beautiful flute music filling the Chapel at Hart House during our wedding. My years in Montreal were enriched by the warm friendship of Mario and Ellyn who were uniquely talented individuals and such a special couple.

Dear Duschenes family, I am very sorry and surprised to hear of Mario Duschenes passing away, as I saw him many times at CAMMAC, especiall in 2007-2008, as I was living at CAMMAC house, working at Lake MacDonald all year long, so I had the chance to see him visiting Scottie and I had the priviledge to work with his grand-children! I send all my love and prayers to the family! I took my recorder out this morning and played from one of his books to remember him...

My sincere condolences to the Duschenes family.I am sorry to hear of Mario's passing. I remember his visits to Halifax fondly and being able to take my girls to his concerts,
And before that, Christmas carols played on recorders in St. Rose. Lovely memories.

I am so sorry for the loss of such a charismatic man with a quiet sense of humour. As I grew up at Cammac he was a constant presence, not only as a musician, but as a family friend. Lots of fond memories of playing doubles (tennis) with my parents and long chats at the crossroads...Special wishes go out to Peter and Christopher and their families.

Mario was a lovely man who had a positive influence on my life and so many others. He was a generous host, an inspiring teacher and always had a smile to share. I have many very fond memories of spending time with him and his family. My thoughts are with you.

To the Duschenes family with condolences from an old neighbor.

My second entry...I just wanted to share with you that I was just speaking with my mum tonight about Mario, and she told me that she took recorder lessons from Mario in 1948 or 1949! She remembers him as an incredibly pleasant man and wonderful teacher. Again, my deepest condolences to his loved ones.

How sorry I was to hear of Mario's death. Mario was always a hospitable gentleman full of life and goodwill. I recall "quiet hour" tennis games with Mario on sunny afternoons at Lake MacDonald. Thanks Mario for all the wonderful music and tennis.

My condolences to each member of Mario's family.

I knew Mr. Duchesnes but briefly - I was one of the many children to whom he taught recorder – but his impact on me was lasting. I remember how excited I was to learn that our small recorder class was to play on the stage of Place Des Arts, accompanying the MSO, for one of the children’s concert he was conducting. I was not the star, of course - he was - but I certainly felt like I was! I remember too, how not only did his mouth smile, but his entire face lit up when we played something well. CAMMAC too, brings back fond memories. I offer my deepest sympathies to those of you who must surely be deeply mourning this wonderful man.

Mario was such an influence on our lives and he will be sorely missed. His musicianship, and zest for living were an example to us all. So many happy memories of Cammac and Mario's wonderful concerts. Our sincere sympathy to the Duchesne and Simon families.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Katharine Boyne(Owen) and sons Robert and Michael Haslett.

Sending my sincere condolences to the Duschenes and Simons families. I was so sorry to hear of Mario's passing. I have fond memories of my years at Cammac and of Mario conducting orchestra. Despite my severe lack of talent in playing the flute, Mario was always more than gracious when I was struggling away in the violin section (playing the flute!) While I was generally petrified, he would always offer a gracious and warm smile, and welcomed me into orchestra despite my lack of playing ability! He was the epitomy of class, and his love of music was contagious. Sending my heartfelt sympathies to all of you at this very sad time.

Dear Michael:
I am so sorry to read of your brother's death and send you my sincere sympathies. It has been a pleasure for me to meet and hear him and he will be truly missed by so many of his friends and admirers.

My sincere condolences to the Duschenes family, particularly Monica and Christopher. I met Mario only once, sitting on a lawn chair in the spring sun on a very frozen Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife NT. As a child, I taught myself to play recorder using his book. Canada has lost a fine musician. How wonderful that he shared so many talents with so many people.

A big part of my childhood is my memories of CAMMAC, and for me CAMMAC was synonymous with Mario and Jan (Simons). I guess I shouldn't be surprised at this news but I'm nonetheless in a bit of shock about Mario. It feels like a big piece of CAMMAC has died within me. I remember when Anne S describe Jan's death (it was very moving, with a typical Jan twist), and I felt something similar at that time. I also remember Ellyn's death, just a few days after the last week that I actually attended CAMMAC. She was such a sweet soul.

However, Mario was a very big influence on my musically. In those years of CAMMAC, it was always orchestra with Mario that I liked the most. In fact, I first got to know Michael in _junior_ orchestra with Mario when we were both playing the cello part (but with me on bassoon) and we shared an amusing event involving a low E-flat. I suppose Michael has long since forgotten that story - those events were all 35 - 40 years ago now.

If I was in Canada, I'd probably have tried to get to Montreal this weekend. As it is, I can only pass on condolences to the family, and greetings to the other folks from our generation of CAMMAC, who are no doubt experiencing similar emotions.

Mario is very much in my thoughts.

Mario will be greatly missed by so many. He had a profound affect on generations of musicians - both big and small, amateur and professional. My sincere condolences to the Duschenes family.

I am so sad to hear of Mario's passing.He was part of my very fond memories of playing music when I was working in Montreal and then in Ottawa.His beautiful legacy will always live on in his wonderful children and grandchildren.Heartfelt sympathies to you all.

We were sorry to learn of Mario's death. We are presently in Florida and cannot attend the funeral. We send our sincere condolences to the family. We have wonderful memories of his beloved wife Ellyn, and his children's concerts. Ron & Fiona Hellstrom

Our entire family is very sad to learn of Mario's death. He was a very special person and our memories of him are extremely vivid and importanta to us. It is a great loss to everyone. We are sorry that we cannot attend the funeral as we are currently in the Czech Republic. Our thoughts are with the entire family.

With sympathy and affectionate memories of Mario and of you all.