Jean-Chrysostome Brauneis II

Jean- or John-Chrysostome Brauneis II, (26 January 1814 – 11 August 1871) was a Canadian composer, organist, and music educator. A multifaceted musician, Brauneis instructed students in many musical subjects, including composition, conducting, guitar, harp, organ, piano, violin, voice, and theory. Considered Canada's first native musician to be trained in Europe, he was a highly influential teacher and figure in the classical music scene in 19th century Montreal. His most well known composition, The Royal Welcome Waltzes, is still performed in concert and was recorded on disc by Symphony Nova Scotia in 1987.

Life and career Born in Quebec City, Brauneis was the son of composer and bandmaster Jean-Chrysostome Brauneis I. He began his studies with his father, but went on to become the first native born Canadian to study music in Europe, where he resided from 1830 until 1833. After returning to Canada, he served as organist at Notre-Dame Church from 1833 until 1844, and then in the same position at Saint-Jacques Cathedral until 1857 when he was succeeded by Romain-Octave Pelletier I. In 1837 he founded the short lived 'Société de Musique', Montreal's first music society.