Memorial celebration for Peggie Sampson, 1912-2004


A memorial celebration honouring the late Peggie Sampson, York music professor emerita (Hon. DLitt ’88) will be held on Sept. 11, at 2:30pm in the Church of St. Simon the Apostle, 525 Bloor St. East, Toronto.


Dr. Sampson was a noted cellist and, in her day, the foremost viola da gambist in Canada. A charter member of York’s Music Department, she taught at York from 1970 until her retirement in 1977. She marked her retirement with a wonderful parting gift to York’s music students, establishing the Peggie Sampson Bursary which she continued to support generously over the years. Her lively interest in the Music Department and its students continued right up until her death in May. She was a beloved member of the York community and of the wider music community in Toronto and beyond.


The memorial event on Sept. 11 will celebrate Dr. Sampson’s life in words and music. The program will include performances by friends and colleagues, including members of Tafelmusik, Canada’s internationally renowned Baroque orchestra. York Music Professor Emeritus Austin Clarkson will be among those speaking in tribute at the celebration. There will be a reception following in the church hall.


All are welcome. St. Simon’s is located on the south side of Bloor St., between Sherbourne and Parliament. The closest subway station is Sherbourne; street parking is available on Howard Street, just south of the church. (For more on the life of Dr. Sampson, see the June 10 issue of YFile.)