Jeannine Vanier

Marie Antoinette Jeannine Vanier (b. 21 August 1929) is a Canadian composer (G) and organist (H) who was born blind.

Vanier was born in Laval-des-Rapides, Quebec, to Émile and Alice Laurin Vanier. Her father was an engineer. (C) She began her studies at the Nazareth Institute for the Blind, then earned a Bachelor of Music in 1950 and a Licentiate of Music in 1952 at the University of Montreal. Among her teachers were Françoise Aubut, Jean Papineau-Couture, Roger Filiatrault, Conrad Letendre, Georges Lindsay, Clermont Pépin, and Jean Vallerand. (B)

Vanier has received several awards for her compositions and musical performances, including:

Second Prize, Casavat Organ Society Competition (1948) (E)

First Prize, Royal Canadian College of Organists (E)

Sarah Fischer Concerts Scholarship (1959) (B)

CAMMAC (Canadian Amateur Musicians) Competition (1962) (B)

Vanier has served as the organist at several churches in Canada: St. Paul de la Croix (1952-1974) St. Bernardin de Sienne (1978), St. Léon de Westmount (1979-81), St-Casimir (1983-5), and St-André-Apôtre (1989-94). (B) She also taught music at the Nazareth Institute and the University of Montreal. (A) Her manuscripts are archived at the Bibliothèque du Quebec. (E)

In retirement, Vanier copies scores and piano methods in Braille for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.  She says, "You have to try to help others so as not to worry too much about yourself. Every morning I say a prayer of gratitude. ” (C)

Vanier's music is published by Waterloo Music Company and Berandol Music Limited/BMI. (B) Her compositions include:

Cinq Pieces pour Enfants (piano) (D)

Fantasia for Recorder Trio (F)

Salve Regina (chorus and orchestra) (A)