Winnipeg composer Greg Lowe remembered as joyous, fun

Members of Winnipeg's music community are remembering composer Greg Lowe as a fearless musician who brought joy into their lives.

Lowe, 59, died over the weekend after battling cancer.

"He was an explorer and an inventor and joyous," said Don Benedictson, a long-time friend.

"He created music without angst. It was a lot of fun working with him in that process, writing music, and anything he did he did with full on joy. He always kept things really balanced, easy, fast and fun."

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Benedictson played in The Ministers of Cool with Lowe but Lowe was also known for his work with SwingSoniq, The Chess Club and his work with orchestra, chamber ensembles, theatre and television.

Benedictson said Lowe was also an inspiration in his relationships with family and friends.

"He was so balanced in his thought and his approach to life and it just made him such an incredibly inspirational guy in my life and for all of us who crossed paths with him," Benedictson said.

Lowe released seven CDs and performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Manitoba Theatre Centre and Prairie Theatre Exchange.

Benedictson said Lowe loved to play and it came across in all of his music.

"He recognized the joy in life and always appreciated it and he instilled that in everybody he worked with," Benedictson said. "That's one of the greatest gifts he gave me for sure."

CBC ARCHIVES: Greg Lowe profile 1996

7 years ago

Duration 6:50

CBC's Robert Enright profiles Greg Lowe a musician who is strongly rooted in jazz, but who is pushing his music in a lot of different directions.