“O Canada” First Performance - June 24, 1880

On June 24, 1880, the song “O Canada,” which would later become the national anthem of Canada, was first performed. This event took place in Quebec City during the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations, which is a major cultural event for French Canadians.

Historical Context

The song was commissioned by the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, Théodore Robitaille, to be part of the musical program for the occasion. The goal was to have a distinctive national song that could express the unique identity and pride of Canadians.

Creation

• Lyrics: The original French lyrics were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. He was a judge and poet who had a significant influence on Canadian culture at the time.

• Music: The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a well-known composer and pianist. Lavallée, who had gained recognition in both Canada and the United States, crafted the melody suited for enthusiastic public singing.

First Performance

The debut of “O Canada” happened during an evening banquet at the Skating Rink in Quebec City. The song quickly gained popularity among French Canadians due to its stirring tune and patriotic lyrics.

Adoption and Legacy

Although “O Canada” was immediately embraced within French Canada, the song took additional decades to gain the same status across the entire nation. Various English versions of the lyrics emerged over time.

• It wasn’t until 1967, nearly a century later, that an officially recognized English version was created.
• “O Canada” was eventually proclaimed the national anthem on July 1, 1980, exactly 100 years after its first performance, marking it a symbol of national identity and unity.

The anthem continues to be a significant part of Canadian cultural heritage, reflecting the country’s bilingual nature and diverse history.