Sharing Peace: Calgary Boys’ Choir December 12, 2015

This Saturday, the Calgary Boys’ Choir presents “Sharing Peace” to highlight international issues of disparity and inequality worldwide as we enter the season of giving. Earlier this week I had the privilege of being able to speak with Choir Director, Paul Grindlay. Paul has been with the Calgary Boys’ Choir since 2004 and this year their Christmas Concert will include a new arrangement of Good King Wenceslas by him. I only had a couple of questions, but was moved by the passion Paul has of music and singing.

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1. Coming into Saturday’s performance, what are you looking most forward to?
   I am looking forward to celebrating the season in song with these amazing kids. This year has been hard but the Christmas season is always joyful and the tradition of carols help make the beauty of the season come to life.
2. What was the reason you got into music?
   I was born in the United Kingdom and first began singing in the church at a very young age. It is a pleasure and privilege to be working and teaching children but I am first and foremost a singer myself.
3. What inspires you?
   I experience the divine most profoundly in music and nature. I have a degree in zoology and music. God’s creation and the majesty of it is only communicated through nature, it has a way of communicating the ineffable. The community music provides allows for the harmonization and synchronization of souls; it’s a part of our greater calling.Seeing people discover this “team sport” is incredibly inspiring. These are all amazing individuals become more than the sum of the parts…which is pretty amazing because the parts are pretty amazing themselves.

When I spoke to Paul about his mentors, he paused for a moment saying there were so many, listing a couple before asking whether or not emailing me a list would be alright. The teachers and coaches he mentioned were Catherine Robbin, Patricia Kern, Stuart Hamilton, Don Tarnowski, David Gordon, Joseph Shore, Ted Baerg and the conductors were James Fankhuaser, Diane Loomer, Bruce Pullan, Ivars Taurins, Timothy Shantz, David Fallis, Jon Washburn and Glen Fast.

He went on to say that “There have also been so many amazing colleagues and friends who inspired and encouraged me, and my parents, who love and support me.”

Click here to read his own words about his experience as a singer and musician.

Paul is very inspired in regards to music and music development and it was clear throughout our conversation. Being able to speak with him was amazing and I thoroughly look forward to seeing the performance this Saturday.

The cost to attend this magical evening is 20$/adult, 15$/students and seniors and FREE for children under 12.
Non-perishables and cash donations will also be collected at the door during this season of generosity and sharing.

For more information, call 403 440-8422 or  go to www.calgaryboyschoir.com.

Happy holidays and peace to all!