Montreal-based Jacques Hetu (b. 1938) is my favourite Canadian composer. He's also the most-often performed, along with R Murray Schafer. This means that he's sometimes played by orchestras across Canada. Some of his compositions have made it to CBC's label, though I don't think much of it's as sizzling as it deserves to be. A live version of his first Piano Concerto, op 15, by Marc-Andre Hamelin has been played on CBC radio. I caught the last seven or eight minutes of it a few years ago, and it made a deep impression. I just learned that a second PC has now been premiered. I also heard on the radio a piece called something like Four Miniatures for Clarinet, Bassoon and Oboe. Before the announcer spoke up it was clear, again, that this was a very special composer. While his is a distinctive and engaging voice, the music is not especially 'difficult' ...though as far as CD issues or international acclaim go, he's certainly overlooked. Last night I caught a 2-hour radio program featuring his music and that of Ellen Taafe Zwillich, a USAmerican. I have since learned that MCML members can hear the program too. It's available online in on-demand streaming RealAudio at http://radio.cbc.ca/programs/2newhours/hetuzwillich.htm On the program? Hetu's String Quartet #2 (18:34), by the Penderecki SQ. Hetu's Fantasie pour piano (8:24), James Parker, pf. Zwillich's [Piano] Trio (15:49), by the Gryphon Trio Hetu's Sonate pour violon et piano (21:38), Martine Desroches, vln; Stephen Clarke, pf. Zwillich's String Quartet #2 (25:07), by the Pendereckis, again. What do I recommend? E v e r y t h i n g by Hetu; start anywhere. I tuned into the show with very high expectations, and was not disappointed. Also: I regretted not taping Zwillich's SQ2: a first class work. There are pretty complete biographical notes on both composers, and on their works, at the site. I'm doing what little I can, via two well-connected people, to spur on a recording of Hetu's music: ideally, his PCs ...so I'd appreciate your feedback. Bert Bailey, in Ottawa