Dr. John Winiarz

Biography

John Winiarz is a composer based in Montreal, currently teaching in the Music Department at the Liberal Arts College of Concordia University since 1979. He offers a diverse curriculum covering contemporary music composition, classical music theory, ear training, history of Western music, and a program in electroacoustic studies. Winiarz has a portfolio of 60 compositions for voice, instruments, and electroacoustic soundtracks that draw from various cultural materials and historical periods. His research interests include microtonality, symbolic music, and directed improvisation. He has presented complete concerts under the title 'Winiarziana', featuring a blend of vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, and technology. He has achieved recognition in competitions such as those hosted by CBC, SOCAN, and the Gaudeamus Foundation in the Netherlands. His work has been showcased extensively across Canada, as well as in concerts and festivals in France, Greece, Italy, Japan, and the U.S.A. In 1991, he was invited as a guest composer to present concerts in four cities in Brazil during the Festival Música Nova. His educational background includes undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba under Robert Turner, electroacoustic music training with Ann Southam at the Toronto Conservatory, and graduate studies at McGill University with Alcides Lanza, John Rea, and Bengt Hambraeus. Winiarz also participated in the 1990 Darmstadt International Summer Course for New Music in Germany and has experiences in piano instruction, guitar, oboe, and organ performance. Additionally, he is active in photography, having exhibited in Montreal galleries, and co-directs the J&W recording label, with a particular interest in Argentine tango.

Research Interests