Business and Music - Paul Tobey

Well, I managed to get the first 3 symphony scores finished on schedule. Nancy and I were greeted Tuesday evening by the Symphony’s artistic director Rhyll Peel in the sweltering heat of 38 degrees.

Shortly after both the conductor and Leslie Knowles the concert master arrived. Leslie has an impressive list of credits, including 5 children and is a veteran member of the Toronto Symphony since 1973. Despite meeting everyone for the first time, conversation was effortless. And regardless of the hot temperatures, we stayed inside gathered around the sound systerm where I introduced each composition and we heard my computer generated version of the scores.

I use Finale to score and Garritan Personal Orchestra to imitate the sounds and I’m very impresed with their software. I’m certain if I spent more time on it I could get the digital samples to sould so real no one could tell the difference. Needless to say, even a few years ago, it wasn’t possible to “hear” what a symphony would sound like before it would be played. It’s amazing how technology facilitates creativity.

Anyway, after hearing the three scores, we all watched a bit of my unfinished Road to Santiago documentary. Then we talked about costume designs, staging, and a few logistical issues.

Dave Warrack had to leave early because of a prior engagement. I’m not quite sure yet what he thought of the scores or the show concept. He was very charming, personable and gracious, but his grounded and charming disposition didn’t allow me much insight into whether he liked the music or not. Regardless, he’s both accomplished and a gentleman, and I’m honored to work with him. I sense it will be a great fit.

Both Rhyll and Leslie were openly enthused and I believe they connected with the project. It’s kind of surreal to be able to co-create with these fellow musical souls. After all, it feels like my journey has come full circle. From being mentored as a classical player for 20 years, to tirelessly climbing my way through the jazz industry for another 20 years, to divorcing jazz at the age of 40, to becoming a pilgrim and having it all snowball into an opportunity to premiere my first symphony at the age of 44.

That’s what the Road to Santiago Suite is all about. That life is really about the journey, not the about destination.

So I will savour the next few months as much as I can.

___________

TRY A .49 CENT DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO MUSIC COMPOSED ON THE CAMINO!

SARRIA SALSA - COMPOSED & ARRANGED BY PAUL TOBEY COPYRIGHT MAY 2004

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Wanted: Costume Designer
Contract Position; Sept 06 to Feb. 07
Theatrical Experience not necessary. If you are an emerging costume designer with vision and your are 110% confident in your ability then you are the person we’re looking for.

You must be able to sketch, and bring your ideas together from conception to fabric. We’re looking for someone who is independent, who can mastermind, and work with a team. You must be able to do your own research on the internet of medieval garmets, shoes and accessories. You must be able to create your own signature pieces that is brand unique to the artist. Terms of the agreement are negociable pending your experience. Your costumes will also be given appropriate credit on our website, in the concert’s handouts, and all press releases and marketing collatoral.

THIS JOB POSTING IS NOW CLOSED!  OUR WARM THANKS TO ALL THE ARTISTS WHO TOOK THE TIME TO MEET WITH US!

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An update on my “Road to Santiago Symphony Project.” According to my contract I have 3 Symphonies to complete by August 1st, and since I’m posting this on Aug 1st, that mean today! But, I did it. And, today I meet the artistic committee of the symphony and the guest conductor David Warrack for the very first time.

I’ve collaborated in Symphony situations as a student over 20-25 years ago, but this is the first time I get to professionally debut and entire evening of music with a Symphony. I studied a bit of conducting and composition in University, but this is the first time I get to put all my career experience into this type of production. For all these reasons, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the Brantford Symphony. They have an impressive list of credits with a long heritage.

This is all a new adventure for me. I spent over 20 years of my life composing complicated music (contemporary jazz) no one really understands and have 7 cd’s to my credit to prove it. While the media and jazz critics offered my music very high praise, it never really afforded me the ability to reach mass audiences. And truthfully, now that I’m 43, I no longer need to write complicated music. I used to compose from a place of fear, competition and ego to prove to critics and musicians that I was a talented composer, great player, and all that ego based stuff. Been there, done that!

At my age, and largely due to my life experiences, I’m spiritually in a better place. I now write from a place of love and inspiration. And I play for one purpose only. To evoke emotion and feeling. If I inspire and connect with people in my audience, I’ve succeeded. It took over 20 years and my mother’s death to remind me, but I’ve come out of my head and into my heart.

I’m just grateful for this incredible opportunity. If it weren’t for the Brantford Symphony, the programming committee and all the wonderful volunteers on the Board, I doubt my Suite would ever meet the public.

Paul

ps.

This article has been ammended October 26th 2006

NEW!  Two new Free Movie Downloads of  the Camino de  de Santiago are now available at http://www.paultobey.com/filmmaker.html

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 ”Oh Ye Of Little Faith” - an inspiring pilgrim’s tale of a pilgrim’s journey on the famous Road to Santiago.

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and “The Brotherhood” - meet Padre Ramon from the Order of the Benedictine Monks in Santo Domingo de Silos.  Famous for their Gregorian Chants, Verve Records have sold more than 8 million albums world-wide!

Ultreia!

Paul