Ignatius Rumboldt

Ignatius Aloysius Rumboldt (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