Galt MacDermot 1928 – 2018
Biography
Galt MacDermot was a Canadian-American composer, pianist, and musical theatre writer whose career spanned decades of creative work. Born on December 18, 1928, in Montreal, he brought together the artistic traditions of his native Canada with the vibrant theatrical landscape of North America. His multifaceted talents as both performer and creator allowed him to contribute meaningfully to the world of musical composition and stagecraft throughout his life.
As a pianist and composer, MacDermot developed a distinctive voice that resonated across musical theatre and concert settings. His work as a writer of musical theatre demonstrated his ability to blend musical sophistication with dramatic storytelling, earning him recognition as an important figure in his field. The breadth of his career—encompassing performance, composition, and theatrical writing—reflected his deep commitment to the arts.
MacDermot’s legacy endures through the works he created during his lifetime, representing a significant contribution to North American musical culture. He passed away on December 17, 2018, in Staten Island, New York, just one day before his ninetieth birthday. His life and work continue to be remembered as part of the rich tapestry of twentieth-century musical theatre.
