JACKSON, John-Paul

JACKSON The distinguished Canadian academic and composer, Professor Emeritus John-Paul Christopher Jackson, passed away on January 2nd, 2026. A renowned Canadian musicologist and composer, Professor Jackson excelled in performance, historical practices (like Gamelan), and composition for various groups. Influential in shaping Canadian choral music through his work as a composer, conductor, and teacher, he was widely acclaimed for his blending of academic rigour with diverse musical interests, deep involvement in music education, and diverse global musical influences. With degrees from Oklahoma City University and a Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis, he taught and held administrative roles (Music Dept. Chair, Dean of Fine Arts) at the University of Lethbridge in Canada starting in 1975. A beloved and respected teacher, he was a significant figure in Canadian music, mentoring scores of emerging composers and performers over the years. Known for conducting, and teaching Canadian choral music, he received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions and maintained a widespread impact in Alberta’s arts scene, particularly with the Lethbridge Symphony and U of L. A musicologist by primary focus, he composed for various ensembles, explored Indonesian music, and led, directed and choreographed performance ensembles. He also studied diverse philosophies, musical traditions and languages, including those of Turkey and Bahasa Indonesia. Prof. John-Paul’s back garden in remotest, arid, frozen Lethbridge was like an oasis of colour, fertility and creativity amid a high desert. It’s humorous and a little surreal, as if the garden was from another dimension than the rest of the surroundings, inserting itself into the mundane world from the realm of the fantastic. Like him. A mutual friend, a fellow Lethbridge man, commented, “Everything he does is always to levels of excellence… his creativity and sensitivity weave through all he does… his yard is no exception. A talented and sensitive man who must create.” Exactly! He was a spiritual colleague in 13th House Mystery School – a generous and loving friend. Good journey to a unique creator, kind spirit and wise soul. For reference, J-P Christopher Jackson’s works include: “Episode for string quartet” (1976) “Nine miniatures for woodwind quintet for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon” (1976) “Orphans Three last/lost songs” (1978) “Badlands,” a tone poem for orchestra (1979) “Drifting into grey,” composition for tenor, oboe, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and percussion (1980) “A time before the dream.” a theatre piece for actors, singers and dancers (1981) “Mary stood weeping (Maria stabat) an anthem for SATB voices (solo or choral, 1981) “Bromptons,” an English rhapsody; for baritone, oboe, clarinet, horn, and string quintet (1983) “Collage for two solo percussionists and string orchestra with piano” (1985) “Collage for percussion and wind ensemble with piano” (1986) “Tresna a tone poem for solo flute, string orchestra, and percussion” (1987) “Once for medium voice and piano” (1991) “Passacaglia for oboe and string quartet” (1993) “The pepper suite” (2009).