On Saturday, May 27, renowned organist Syd Birrell will perform an organ concert, sponsored by Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School. He will be joined by the Wayside school choir, which will sing several pieces accompanied by Birrell.
During the concert, Birrell will explain various features of the organ, and tell various stories about the “queen of the instruments.”
Note that this concert is FREE to attend. All are welcome.
Prior to the concert, Wayside will be hosting an Open House. That will take place at 10:00 AM at the school. 575 Centre Line, Peterborough.
About Syd:
Syd Birrell is the founder and conductor of the Peterborough Singers, one of Canada’s top-ranked choral societies.
The life of Syd is a coat of many colours. He was born in Sarnia, Ontario, and began his musical career as a young chorister at St. George’s Anglican Church, Montreal. He studied at the Royal School of Church Music in London, England, and the Royal College of Music, winning a Sawyer Prize in Organ performance. Returning to Canada in 1975, he took the post of Organist and Choirmaster at St. John’s Anglican Church in Peterborough until 1984, and then held the post of Director of Music at Murray St. Baptist Church until 2008. From 2015 to 2019 Syd served as Organist and Choirmaster at Peterborough’s All Saints’ Anglican Church.
Syd is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. He has been organist at Lakefield College School for 36 years, where the Friday-morning “Sing With Syd” has become a much-loved tradition for generations of students. A talented entrepreneur, Syd has interests in real estate and church organ sales, and is a published writer and motivational speaker.
