Their parents shared a passion and both had impressive musical resumés. They certainly left a mark in Ottawa, not only as accomplished musicians, but also as teachers and mentors. “It’s a legacy thing for us. They were so important, involved and well known in the music profession here in Ottawa. They were part of the musical history of the city. And that’s why we want to keep their names alive,” says Ginette, who has also included a bequest in her will to ensure the perpetuity of the fund.
Their father, Armand Weisbord, was born in Lithuania and studied at the Brussels Conservatory of Music. He immigrated to Ottawa in 1931 and became very active in the music community. He was one of the founders of the LaSalle Symphony, concertmaster of the Ottawa Philharmonic Orchestra, director of music at the Chateau Laurier Hotel for 27 years and conductor of the Jewish Community Centre Orchestra. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War as a violinist in the orchestra for the All Clear Show.
Originally from Saskatoon, their mother, Margaret Wilson, started playing violin at the age of five and became a child prodigy, performing throughout the Prairies. She studied in Budapest, Hungary, and Salzburg, Austria, and on returning to Canada, settled in Ottawa, where she met and married Armand. Together, they had a radio show on the CBC and were known as the duo violinists of Canada. When her husband served during the war, she replaced him at the Chateau Laurier for four years.
While their parents were extremely talented and recognized in their field, their musical career was not always easy. “Classical music didn't have much of a focus then and it was a struggle for most musicians here in Ottawa,” says Ginette. This was the case for their parents, who had to find other ways to support their family. This common reality for musicians had an influence on both sisters’ decision to pursue higher education and different career paths. “I look back to when we were younger and I wish they had pushed me to see the importance of continuing the piano, but they didn’t and I think the reason why is the struggle that they had being professional musicians,” mentions Judy.
Despite the challenges, the couple continued to perform and share their talent. Their gift for music will not be forgotten.
A very good friend of their parents was Evelyn Greenberg, an accomplished musician and teacher who spent 23 years with the School of Music at the University of Ottawa and was the inspiration for the sisters to preserve their parents’ legacy through a scholarship. The Armand and Margaret Weisbord Memorial Scholarship in Music was created to provide financial assistance to undergraduate or graduate violin students in the School of Music who demonstrate a commitment to pursue a career in violin.
The sisters say that while leaving a legacy for their parents was the initial reason for creating the scholarship, contributing to the development of classically trained musicians is also crucial. “It’s two things. It’s keeping that legacy alive, but it’s also supporting students by helping them financially. It’s so heartwarming to see people who needed this award that it comes back full circle as a gift to you,” says Ginette.
And as the most recent scholarship recipient, Mariana De La Cruz, can attest, that goal has certainly been achieved: “Studying abroad has been quite a challenge, and your help has been crucial in my education and development as a violinist. I hope that one day I will be able to help students just as you have helped me.”
Many University of Ottawa alumni have included a gift to the University and its students in their estate plans. It’s important to inform the University of your intentions, so that our planned giving team can validate the designation of your future gift with you. To learn more about this type of philanthropic project, email us at [email protected].