Samuel Coleridge Taylor and Princess Louise in Canada.

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) was a British composer of African descent who gained international recognition for his compositions, particularly his choral works. In 1904, he was invited to Canada by Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria, to conduct a series of concerts featuring his music.

Princess Louise, who was a patron of the arts and a supporter of racial equality, had heard Coleridge-Taylor's music and was impressed by his talent. She invited him to Canada as part of her efforts to promote cultural diversity and showcase the talents of artists from different backgrounds.

Coleridge-Taylor arrived in Canada in May 1904 and was warmly welcomed by the Canadian public. He conducted concerts in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, featuring his compositions such as "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast" and "The Song of Hiawatha." These concerts were a huge success, with sold-out performances and standing ovations.

Princess Louise attended several of the concerts and was impressed by Coleridge-Taylor's musical abilities. She also hosted a reception in his honor at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. This was a significant gesture, as it was rare for a member of the royal family to host a reception for a person of African descent at that time.

Coleridge-Taylor's visit to Canada was a significant moment in his career, as it brought him international recognition and helped to break down racial barriers in the classical music world. He was hailed as a musical genius and a representative of the African diaspora, and his music continued to be performed and celebrated in Canada long after his visit.

Princess Louise and Coleridge-Taylor developed a close friendship during his time in Canada, and she continued to support his career and promote his music even after he returned to England. Their friendship was a testament to the power of music to bring people from different backgrounds together and break down barriers.

Today, Coleridge-Taylor's legacy lives on in Canada through the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Society, which was founded in 1994 to promote his music and celebrate his contributions to the country's cultural landscape. His visit to Canada remains an important moment in the history of both the country and the African diaspora, and serves as a reminder of the power of music to unite people and bridge cultural divides.