Quesne, (Louis) Joseph (Marie)

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Quesne, (Louis) Joseph (Marie)

Quesne, (Louis) Joseph (Marie) , French-born Canadian merchant, composer, violinist, dramatist, poet, and actor; b. St.-Malo, Nov. 15, 1746?; d. Montreal, July 3, 1809. He began his career as a sailor. In 1779 he was commander of the corsaire L’Espoir on its voyage to N.Y. with munitions and provisions for the American rebels when his ship was captured by the British and he was taken to Halifax. Following his release by the governor of Quebec, he decided to settle in Canada and became active as a merchant. He also pursued various interests in music and literature. Quesne composed the first Canadian opera, Colas et Colinette, which was premiered in Montreal on Jan. 14, 1790. He also wrote another opera, Lucas et Cécile, syms., chamber music, and vocal pieces.

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire