Ernst Schneider

Ernst Schneider (b.1939) received his early music training in Germany.  In 1958 he immigrated to Canada, where he continued his music education.  Among his teachers were Lloyd Powell, Helen Silvester, and Dr. Jean Coulthard.  Ernst Schneider's compositions include works for piano, voice, chamber groups, and orchestra.  His music has been performed in festivals and concerts in Canada, USA, and Europe.  He taught piano and adjudicated for many years and hosted a weekly two-hour music program on station CIGV for 12 years, featuring many Canadian compositions.

In 2009 Ernst Schneider received an Honorary Licentiate Diploma from the Canadian National Conservatory of Music for his contributions to and promotion of Canadian music.  The same year he was also commissioned to write an orchestral work for the Centennial of his home town, the City of Penticton, British Columbia.  In 2012 he was awarded the Queen Elisabeth Medal for his contribution to, and promotion of Canadian music and community support.  Ernst Schneider’s first Piano Concerto received a second performance with the very talented pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko in February 2018 and his second Piano Concerto is scheduled to be performed in the 2019/20 season.