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

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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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Ultreia!

Paul