Fisher and Valentine
When tenor Don Fisher and organist Barry Valentine performed together in concert in November 200l, All Saints'
Church was overflowing with music lovers and they were not disappointed. Music and Munch on July 9th, offers the
opportunity to hear these two sensitive and compelling artists again, in the same lovely setting.
Both Fisher and Valentine have an engaging way of talking about their passion - music - and the feeling and
intelligence with which they work together, make their performances inspiring.
Valentine, who was at one time both organist at McGill and assistant organist at the cathedral in Montreal, was
instrumental in establishing the lunchtime music series in 1966. At that time he gave an organ recital twice a
week and has continued to appear regularly both as soloist and accompanist to singers and fellow musicians. It is
in this latter forum that his skill in supporting and enhancing the musical gifts of others is apparent. In
September of last year he began to play the organ recital series Simply Organic and has delighted audiences with
both his playing and lucid commentaries.
Fisher is very well known on Salt Spring for his warm, compelling voice and versatile repertoire. He began to
share his love of music in the 60's, by roaming the world with guitar in hand, singing in folk clubs and bars.
After returning to Canada and later on Salt Spring Island, he continued his love affair with music, while
maintaining a busy working life and raising a family with his wife Melissa. He was introduced to the "Art song"
and the art of singing by voice teacher Clemency Perrins and has several times been awarded the Arian Male Choir
Award for Best Male Vocalist in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival. He has been soloist in Salt Spring
Singers concerts, taken part in Music and Munch recitals and sung in the musical revue "Showtime with Sondheim."
Wednesday's free recital features some of Don Fisher's favourite songs.
Free music begins at All Saints' by-the-Sea at 12.10pm followed by a delicious but optional lunch.
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