For Immediate Release – Toronto, August 31, 2007
The Elmer Iseler Singers launch their 29th Toronto concert series with a tribute to their longtime friend and indefatigable supporter John Charles Bird. One of Canada’s most prolific contributors, Bird was a much respected musician and esteemed music publisher. He passed away in February 2006. The Elmer Iseler Singers and conductor Lydia Adams team up with the famed Canadian Brass and organist Peter Tiefenbach to celebrate and honour Bird’s immense contribution to the arts in this country and abroad throughout his lifetime. The event takes place on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. John was very active in the music community for 40 years as President of Gordon V. Thompson Music Publishers. He was known as the “Godfather” of Canadian published choral music, with over 300 titles printed in many Canadian choirs’ Choral Series with Gordon V. Thompson. John was also a member of the Canadian Music Publishers Association (now SOCAN), a founding member of the Board of Directors and a past president of the Ontario Choral Federation (now Choirs Ontario). Through his long membership on the Board of the Festival Singers of Canada and the Elmer Iseler Singers his voice of reason and caring towards the growth and development of professionalism in choral music benefited choirs all over Ontario. He was a dedicated member of the Canadian Reproduction Rights Association (CMRRA) and Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma. He was an illustrious member of the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma and served on the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Music Festival Association and the Choral Music Publishers Association (U.S.A.) His faith was devout and he participated in very special ways in the activities and life of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help through his life-long membership. John was active until his passing. Because of his keen wit, his energy and great sense of humour, he always seemed young. His lifelong words of wisdom were: “Strive for tone and keep happy!” With this very special concert performance, the Elmer Iseler Singers commemorate John’s passion for youth in music, the furthering of professionalism in choral singing in Canada and publication of over 300 choral-brass-choral/brass music scores which are now performed around the world. Special thanks to SOCAN, the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts for supporting this unique event featuring works by Healey Willan, Peter Togni, Harry Somers and more. Elmer Iseler, the Canadian Brass and Lydia Adams were life-long colleagues of John Bird and celebrated many wonderful moments in music together. The proceeds from ticket sales and donations will contribute to The Organ Restoration Fund – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and The Elmer Iseler Singers’ GET MUSIC! Educational Outreach Initiative in Memory of John Charles Bird. Tribute to John Charles Bird: Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church – 78 Clifton Road at St. Clair, Toronto (West of Mt. Pleasant) Special Guest Artists: CANADIAN BRASS and Peter Tiefenbach, organist Tickets: $35/ regular - $30/Seniors and Students Please call Janet Johnson at 416-217-0537 for ticket and donation reservations. | 
