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Music
Our choirmaster and organist is David Braund, BMus(Wales).
From 1970 to 1972, David was a chorister, St. Thomas' in Toronto. He was an active member of this choir during the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Michael Ramsey that was telecast live on CBC television. During this time David learned to love plainsong sung well and liturgy done with care
David was a member of the Newton brook Secondary School Orchestra from 1976 to 1979 and was the leader of second violins, when they toured England and the U. S.
He studied organ in Toronto, Tenby, Aberystwyth, Cardiff and Oxford (UK) and was Assistant Organist, St. Mary's, Tenby (Wales)
David received the Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, in 1984. A degree that focused on composition techniques, ancient and modern, performance, history, the elemental physics of acoustics, voice, piano and organ.
From 1983 to 1984, he sang in five choirs simultaneously. In 1984, David conducted the student run college choir, UCW Choral Union, and played in Dr. Peter Hurford's Bach master class at St. David's Hall, Cardiff. He also played for an Honorary Degree Congregation in the presence of H. R. H. The Prince of Wales
David studied conducting, piano, vocal techniques with George Crum, conductor emeritus of the National Ballet of Canada
David has two CD recordings with the Choir of All Saints, Kingsway; and in 1997, 2000 & 2003 toured the English Cathedral (including Exeter, St. Paul's, London, Litchfield, Bridlington Priory, Ely) with as Associate Organist and Choirmaster with that Choir.
His performances as organist with All Saints includes Requiems by Duruflé (parts), Brahms, Mozart, Fauré; Messiah and many Evensongs and solo recitals. David has a genuine love for the richness of Anglican liturgy and music
"I like simplicity, where imagination is free to express the text: carols, plainsong, a good tune..."
- David Braund
 
About The Choir
St. Matthew's has a choir of about 12 members, with spaces for three or four "juniors" from time to time. Our membership has included a range of singers form novice to expert, from about the age of eight to eighty and beyond.
Our repertoire includes music ranging from plainsong to music composed the week, or even the night before the service! We sing in up to six parts but usually we sing in four parts - SATB. For novices, learning part singing is taxing, but very rewarding, but once mastered, becomes easier by leaps and bounds. Our "core" choir is very helpful in this endeavour - with many years of experience!
We have no paid section leaders at this time, although, several singers have been paid choristers in times past. We sing at the 10.00 Eucharist and other Holy Days, such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Ascension Day. Recently we have started to participate in monthly Evensong services and, even though the choir is 'on holiday' during July and August, the choir stalls are rarely empty! We were happy to be able to contribute 4 psalms and an anthem to St. Matthew's first Easter Vigil in 2006.
The choir currently practices on Wednesdays, from September to June, with preparation beginning at 7:15 pm.
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