CALIXA LAVALLÉE (1842-1891) was initiated to the piano, violin, organ, and cornet by his father, a musical instrument maker. By 1855 he was studying piano in Montreal with Paul Letondal and Charles Wugk Sabatier. In 1857 he left Canada to perform as a musician in the USA and later toured in South America. After serving in the US Civil War he returned to Canada in 1863 to teach and give concerts in Montreal. During 1865-66 he spent some time in California, then married in Lowell, Mass. He settled in Boston, then moved to New York where he was appointed music director of the Grand Opera House from 1870-72. He returned to Montreal and a public subscription allowed him to spend 1873-75 in Paris where he studied piano with Marmontel, and composition with Boieldieu fils. Returning to Montreal Lavalleé opened a teaching studio with the violinist-composer Jéhin-Prume and served as choirmaster at St. James Church 1875-79. Best known as the composer of "O Canada", he was one of Canada's most active and versatile musicians of his day. His career eventually took him to Boston, where he remained until his death.