John Rigby

John was born on March 19, 1952 in Wainwright, Alberta but spent most of his life in Victoria, B.C. He began a musical career at age four when he exhibited a natural ability for the violin. John studied classical music and achieved numerous accomplishments and awards. He was invited to play in the National Youth Orchestra in Toronto at seventeen and at nineteen he won the Congress of Strings which enabled him to study at the University of California under world renowned conductors. John then began a journey of exploration into all aspects of music and taught himself to play other instruments. John recorded with Donovan in the 1970s although the sessions were never released. In 1974 he was credited with playing and arranging the strings on the Jesse Winchester album “Learn To Love It”. His health began to deteriorate at 25 and eventually he received a kidney transplant. Fighting an uphill battle with his health he pursued his musical career playing with Paul Horn, the VSO and several Victoria bands, establishing life long relationships with many musicians. He inspired others with his love for humanity. John passed away in July 2002 but his passion for music touched the hearts of those who heard him play his violin.