Ignatius Aloysius Rumboldt C.M. (November 30, 1916 – September 9, 1994) was a choir director, organist and educator in Newfoundland.[1]

He was born in Curling (later Corner Brook).[1] His mother died when he was six and he was sent to Mount Cashel Orphanage. As a young musician, Rumboldt met Charles Hutton.[2] He studied at summer schools at the Toronto Conservatory of Music, the George Little School of Music in Montreal and the Fred Waring School of Music in Pennsylvania.[3] In 1931, Hutton offered him the job of assistant organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John's. In 1936, he became organist and choirmaster at the cathedral.[2] From 1936 to 1952, he was director of music at Saint Bonaventure's College, Holy Cross School in St. John's, St. Patrick's Hall and Mount Cashel School.[3] From 1952 to 1960, Rumboldt was a visiting lecturer on music at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He organized the Memorial University Glee Club which performed Newfoundland folk songs. He also organized a group called the Glee Club which performed at a local television station.[2] In 1960, he became a full-time lecturer on music at the university. Rumboldt retired in 1980. He lobbied for the creation of a department of music at the university.[1]

From 1965 to 1968, Rumboldt was a member of the Canada Council. In 1975, he was named to the Order of Canada.[1]

He died in St. John's at the age of 77.[1]

A music scholarship at Memorial University is awarded in his name.[1]

His grandson David Pomeroy is a Canadian operatic tenor.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Rumboldt, Ignatius". The Canadian Encyclopedia.
  2. ^ a b c Dunsmore, Douglas. ""Nish" Rumboldt: Newfoundland's beloved Pied Piper of Song". Memorial University.
  3. ^ a b "MUN to award four honorary degrees at convocation". MUN Gazette, vol. 13, no. 04. Memorial University. October 16, 1980.
  4. ^ Bailey, Sue (2013-06-18). "Renowned Newfoundland tenor's star rises". Metro. Archived from the original on 2014-03-01. Retrieved 2013-11-19.