Mario Duschenes was a distinguished Canadian flutist, recorder player, music educator, and conductor, born on October 27, 1923, in Altona, near Hamburg, Germany. He passed away on January 31, 2009, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Duschenes began his musical education early, studying recorder, solfège, and piano by 1935, and later took up the flute, studying with his father and brothers. He fled Germany before World War II and continued his studies at the Geneva Conservatory in Switzerland, where he trained under notable instructors such as Henri Gagnebin, André Pépin, Frank Martin, and Isabelle Nef. He earned the Conservatory's Prix de Virtuosité in 1946 and won first prize at the 1947 International Competition for Musical Performers in Geneva.

After touring Europe as a soloist with the Ars Antiqua Ensemble, Duschenes emigrated to Canada in 1948, settling in Montreal. He quickly integrated into the Canadian music scene, becoming principal flute of the CBC Radio Orchestra and performing with several ensembles, including the McGill Chamber Orchestra and the Pro Musica Society. He co-founded the Baroque Trio of Montreal in 1957 and made over 30 recordings, collaborating with artists such as Jean-Pierre Rampal.

Duschenes was deeply committed to music education, co-founding the CAMMAC Music Centre in 1953 and teaching at McGill University and the University of Montreal. He was an advocate of the Carl Orff teaching method and authored numerous educational works, including the widely used Method for the Recorder. He conducted young people's concerts for major Canadian orchestras and was praised for his ability to engage and educate audiences of all ages.

In recognition of his contributions to music and education, Duschenes was awarded the Canadian Music Council Medal in 1978, became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1985, and received honorary doctorates from Concordia University and Memorial University. His legacy as a musician and educator continues to inspire future generations.