Joseph Hercule Omer Létourneau (13 March 1891National Library of Canada. Nouvelles de la Bibliothèque Nationale. Vol. 15-16. National Library of Canada; 1983. – 14 August 1983) was a Québécois pianist, organist, composer and orchestra conductorOrganistes du Québec . University of Quebec websiteMusiCanada. Vol. 45-55. Canadian Music Council; 1981. p. 11. from Saint-Sauveur.
Early life and education Though born in Québec proper, Létourneau studied organ and piano with of Joseph-Arthur Bernier in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec.Odette Vincent Domey. La vie musicale au Québec: art lyrique, musique classique et contemporaine. Editions de l'IQRC; 2000. . p. 41.Le Passe-temps. Vol. 53-54. Editions du Passe-temps.; 1947.
Career Létourneau won the Prix d'Europe in 1913,"Lauréats du Prix d’Europe depuis 1911" . COURS PRIX D’EUROPE. and travelled to Paris, France to perform on piano and organ. At the beginning of World War I, he returned to Quebec and became organist of the St-Sauveur of Quebec Church,Québec (Province). Legislature. Sessional Papers. The Legislature; 1916. p. 134. a position he held for many years."UNE CHAIRE DE MUSIQUE POUR LUNIV. LAVAL". Moncton L Acadien, via Newspaper Archives. 27 June 1922 – Page 2
In 1917 he directed the production of L'Accordée de village in the Auditorium de Québec in Quebec City which included performances from singers such as baritone Joseph Fournier de Belleval.
After the war he went once more to Paris to complete his studies, then returned to Quebec. He founded a magazine, La Musique, and opened a music store, La Procure musicale. During the 1930s he taught at l'Ecole de Music;"Chronique de l'Iniversité". La Canada français. Vol. 20. Université Laval; 1932. p. 472. one of his notable students was Edwin Bélanger. During this time he also led the Laurentian Quartet.Québec (Province). Dept. of Lands and Forests. Report of the Minister of Lands and Forests of the Province of Quebec. [the] Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty; 1933. p. 146.
In 1981 he was the subject of a television documentary, M. Omer Letourneau: La Vie musicale a Quebec depuis trois generations."TV Star Scene". Brandon Sun, 12 September 1980 – Page 52
Personal life
Letourneau married Marie Coulombe, sister of pianist Clotilde Coulombe.Dix. Les Cahiers des Dix. Vol. Issue 61. Les Dix; 2008. p. 159. He was the father of tenor, conductor, and opera director Jean Létourneau.
He later died in Québec city.
References
Further reading Entretiens avec Omer Létourneau. Quinze; 1979. .