Celebrating the life of
John Canarina
May 19, 1934 - August 25, 2025
John Canarina, 91, passed away on August 25, 2025, at his home in Savannah, Georgia. John was born in New York City, the son of John and Mary Canarina. He grew up in Tuckahoe, New York, and graduated from Eastchester High School in Tuckahoe in 1952. He earned a music scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music. where he received his BS in 1957 and his MS in 1958. After graduating in 1958, John was drafted into the US Army (1959-1960) where he was a conductor of the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra stationed in Germany and spent his active duty touring and playing to audiences throughout Europe.
John aspired to be a conductor from the age of 11. His teachers included: Frederick Zimmermann of the New York Philharmonic for Double Bass (1951-1958); Jean Morel at Juilliard for conducting studies (1954-1958); and Pierre Monteux at his summer conducting school in Hancock, Maine (1953-1958, 1961).
John was appointed Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein’s direction (1961-1962). He was Conductor and Music Director of the Jacksonville, Florida, Symphony Orchestra (1962-1969). He conducted for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony and many other orchestras throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In 1973, John was appointed Director of Orchestral Studies at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, until his retirement after 35 years.
Active as a critic and writer, he authored three books: “Uncle Sam’s Orchestra: Memories of the Seventh Army Symphony,” “Pierre Monteux, Maitre” and “The New York Philharmonic: from Bernstein to Maazel.” John was a man whose passion was music.
After his retirement John and his wife Audrey settled in Savannah, GA. John was a quiet, gentle man possessing kindness and integrity along with a wry sense of humor. In Savannah he was a supporter of the Philharmonic Orchestra when in 2011 he launched pre-concert talks to provide insight into their concert series. He continued to play the piano and when he wasn’t playing music, he enjoyed listening to his collection of classical music, cheering on the New York Yankees, and reading his many books. He will be sorely missed.
John was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Canarina and his brother Arnold. He is survived by his wife Audrey Ashby, her daughter Linda Ashby Olson, her husband James Olson; nieces and nephews: Catherine Wright, Christopher Canarina, Charles Canarina, Wayne Bajcar, Debra Wilson; and cousins: Barbara Savino and Frank Gruber.
A remembrance for family and friends will be held later this year. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Pierre Monteux School and Music Festival, PO Box 457, Hancock, ME 04640.
I'm so sorry for your loss Aunt Audrey. I loved and respected Uncle John and I will miss him dearly.
- Bajcar Family, Nashville, Tennessee
A candle has been lit!
Sending you love and prayers Aunt Audrey. Uncle John was an absolutely amazing man, and even more so when he married you.
- Rachel and Robert Beuttler, Thorn Hill, TN
My deepest condolences, Audrey. John was a wonderful friend, colleague and mentor. He touched so many lives through his passion for classical music and will be sorely missed.
- Clarence Padilla, Des Moines, Iowa
I am so, so sorry to hear this news. Mr. Canarina was an enormous influence on me, both academically and personally. I feel incredibly lucky to have known him, and know that so many his students feel the same.
- Melanie Wehrmacher, Minneapolis, MN
John was very unassuming in his demeanor. However, you could not spend five minutes with him without realizing that you were in the presence of a special person. He always asked me what I had been performing and would tell me wonderful stories about the music and many other musical anecdotes. I'm sure he is conducting an angelic orchestra in heaven and spending time with the great composers.
- Raymond Patricio, Savannah, GA
Both Deb and I send our sincere condolences. John was a respected and erudite musician, esteemed by both his colleagues and his students. We are grateful to have known him as a valued friend. We will miss him.
- Bill Dougherty, West Des Moines, Iowa
John was a kind and gentle soul. I always learned something from John during our many lunches. His encyclopedic knowledge of music was remarkable. Audrey, you made John so happy. Condolences for your loss. Joseph Giunta
- Joseph Giunta, West Des Moines, Iowa
I had the wonderful opportunity to have the Maestro conduct the first full opera production I directed at Drake University. Although a brief time we spent together, I fondly remember the support he provided me as a young faculty member. John left a lasting impact on the Drake Music community and he will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his beautiful wife, Audrey, and his family and friends. Ann Cravero
- Ann Cravero, West Des Moines, IOA
Maestro Canarina leaves an indelible mark on the world of music. His knowledge was limitless , his commitment to and passion for music was an inspiration to all who knew him. The first time I met him I knew that he was someone from whom I could learn a great deal. But in his humility he never wore his accomplishments on his sleeve-one had to tug a bit get him to share his vast experiences with you. This I did each time I was fortunate enough for him to spend time with me. I learned a great deal from him and admired him greatly as a friend and colleague. Rest in peace Maestro.You served the cause of music so long and so well. Condolences to his wife and family who so generously shared him with the world of music.
- Philip Greenberg, Savannah, Georgia
John came to Drake a year after I did and we had lunch together almost every school weekday for the next twenty-seven years. He stood beside me during the best and worst of times. No one knew more music, more musicians, more good and bad jokes and more about the way things should be. He was my other "older brother." The Des Moines Register one referred to him as an "Iowa Treasure." They were right. John's friendship with Kathy and me was one of our personal treasures. He made everyone he came in contact with better. Rest in peace, Dear Friend Jay and Kathy Light
- Jay and Katherine Light, Fuquay-Varina, NC
I mourn the passing of a friend of almost seventy years.
- Joseph M Boonin, Emeryville, California
I vividly remember when John came to Drake. It was my sophomore year. Over the years I was fortunate to know him first as a student, and then later on as a friend and colleague. His Christmas cards were always welcome, from those early ones with paintings by his mother, to recent years featuring a photo with his beloved Audrey. My dear husband, William S.E. Coleman, professor of theatre, enjoyed working with John on productions at Drake. Having John to our home for dinner or seeing him at parties was always fun and informative. He and my husband enjoyed talking baseball. When I began writing orchestra music, John was kind enough to lend me some scores so that I could study them, including his score for "Candide." I was so glad that John found his true love and happiness with Audrey, and that his retirement was filled with joy. John touched so many lives, and his passion for music was inspiring. I was so grateful to know him. Sending condolences to Audrey, his family, and all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, John, and may flights of angels sing you to your rest.
- Linda Robbins Coleman, Des Moines, , Iowa
I am eternally grateful for the time John was my bass instructor, orchestral conductor, mentor and friend. I will always remember the mischievous twinkling smile he gave me when he looked through the practice room window on my first day at Drake as I was nervously practicing my scales. That one smile set me at ease for the rest of my time at Drake. After graduation, John would take me out to breakfast at the Artist's Cafe on Michigan Ave when he was in town for an especially noteworthy series at the CSO. I always felt so lucky to share that time with him. We would stay in touch over the years, I was fortunate to see him again and meet his beloved Audrey a few years ago in Savannah. This is a tough loss and he will be greatly missed by so many. Thank you so much for your friendship and support John. Godspeed and hope to see you again someday. Love ya.
- Andy Rader, Chicago, IL
I am so very sorry to hear this news. Mr. Canarina was influential in the lives of many music students at Drake University and left a lasting impression with those of us who played in the orchestra or took his his conducting classes.
- Melissa Munroe, Edmond, OK
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200