Canadian Music Associates

Canadian Music Associates

Canadian Music Associates (Ontario). Formed in 1952 as the concert arm of the CLComp. Made up of laymen, musicians, and CLComp members, it was incorporated in 1954. Acting on the CLComp's behalf the group organized, financed, and promoted from two to four concerts a year and several NFB film nights. The league itself was responsible for program content, and the CMA made a point of engaging Canadian artists. By 1957 it had arranged for the performance of 80 Canadian compositions, including the premieres 17 Nov 1956 of Somers' The Fool and Blackburn's Silent Measures. CMA presidents included David S. Catton, Stewart Sutton, John Osler, and Norma Beecroft. With the formulation of plans for a Canadian Music Centre and the Canada Council's decision to shift its financial support to that organization alone, the CMA chose to dissolve in 1958.