Donald Whitton

Donald Richard "Don" Whitton (August 2, 1923 – April 26, 2018) was a Canadian concert cellist, recording musician, and teacher, with a professional career in music spanning over 50 years.

Biography Whitton was born in London, Ontario, Canada in August 1923. From a young age, he showed an aptitude for music, studying piano and cello. He continued to study until World War II was declared. Like many other young Canadians, he enlisted, joining the 4th Royal Canadian Field Artillery Regiment (4RCA). Stationed in England until shortly after the D-Day invasion, Whitton and his unit joined the extremely heavy fighting during the Caen/Falaise battles in Normandy. As part of the 2nd Infantry Division, 2nd Canadian Corps, 4RCA suffered heavy casualties in the terrible battles of Normandy, Belgium, the Netherlands (Woensdrecht), and the Rhineland (Hochwald). In addition, it was the target of the first-ever bombing attack by a jet plane (an Me 262). With 4RCA, Whitton operated in the dangerous role of forwarding observation signaler, which placed him on the front line with the infantry. Casualty rates among artillery observation teams were very high, but he survived the long odds to see VE day. With the fighting over in Europe, he decided to answer an audition call for forces musicians. Playing on a borrowed instrument, he was successful, even though he'd been unable to practice since the start of the war. He was transferred to an entertainment unit in England where he spent the next year as a cellist with a forces orchestra. On his return home, he decided to take a music degree from the University of Toronto.

Cornelius Ysselstyn, a famed Canadian cellist at the time, accepted Donald as a student. Donald once again showed great promise. He went on in the next five years to study with many great cellists, including the genius cellist-editor Leonard Rose.

Whitton auditioned for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) in 1948, and was awarded the position of principal's assistant the following year. While in Toronto he also joined the CBC Radio Orchestra, and several other small music groups. In 1960 In 1984 he was a tone judge for the Violin society of America's international competition. After retiring from the NACO, in 1994, he continued to teach, and contribute to the Ottawa arts scene. He died in Ottawa in April 2018 at the age of 94.

A CBC reviewer of the performing arts wrote about Whitton:

- James Wegg

Lighthouse From 1968 to October 1970, Whitton performed with the Canadian rock group Lighthouse, alongside fellow Canadian Howard Shore in the string/brass section. He was one of the original members of the group, but when he had to leave for Ottawa to continue his classical music career, he had to leave Lighthouse as well. Lighthouse was one of the last non-classical music groups he was involved with. Paul Hoffert, the co-founder of Lighthouse, who had the idea for the string/brass section, was disappointed that Don had to leave.

- Paul Hoffert

Playing style Whitton was known for his diversity of styles of playing. He could easily switch from classical to baroque, and many other styles, even including rock and jazz. He was an excellent ripieno musician, but also had the skill of a virtuoso for solo performances. He led his section with direction, and was a strong leader. He is particularly noted for the magnificence of his large, rich, and beautiful tone quality. with various artists. He recorded with Glenn Gould, on his version of several Bach Brandenburg concertos. In 1973 he played with the Ron Collier orchestra on Duke Ellington's album "Collages". Whitton was also the member of several music groups which recorded music including: The Jack Groob Trio and the Jack Groob String Quartet, the Toronto Baroque Ensemble (1958–1963), and the Pack Quartet.

Radio During Donald's tenure in both of his major orchestras; the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, he was being broadcast nationwide on a regular basis. Also while he was a member of the CBC Radio Orchestra, he would perform on radio weekly. He would also occasionally perform for a radio jingle.