Jim Leonard: Organist and Accompanist
Jim Leonard is one of Canada's finest organists, an increasingly prolific
composer, and a master of the keyboard, whether it be the most difficult
classics or the coolest jazz-piano.
A graduate of the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto in 1971,
he and his wife, Lenore, took up residence in Barrie.
He became organist at Collier St. United Church and Head of Music at Innisdale
Secondary School, where he taught for 23 years.
He is an Associate of The Royal Canadian College of Organists, having won the
Healey Willan Prize for highest marks on the exam.
Recent musical highlights for Jim Leonard were his organ recital in
Zweibrücken, Germany in 2003, and the première of his opera,
Maria Chapdelaine in 2004.
He appeared as guest soloist for the Huronia Symphony for Saint-Saëns'
Organ Symphony and Handel's Organ concerto #4 in 2007.
Jim has been the accompanist for the King Edward Choir of Barrie
since 2001.
Compositions
Gloria for trumpet and SATB choir
Opera-Maria Chapdelaine (2004) performed by Opera Barrie
Prelude in E minor for organ (in the style of Johannes Brahms) 2004
Concert Mass-Maria Chapdelaine (2006) for organ,strings, percussion,
soloists and SATB choir. Performed by the King Edward Choir of Barrie
A Celtic 23rd Psalm (2006) for SATB choir and piano
Collier Church Introit (commemorating the church's 170th anniversary)
for soprano soloist Judy Rodger and SATB choir. (2006)
Victimae Paschali Laudes for SATB choir and Brass Quintet. (Easter) 2007
Gloria for soprano soloist Judy Rodger and the Collier St. Choir
(2007) (Christmas story)
Passacaglia for organ (2007)
Kontakion and Oikos for the Lyrica Choir of Barrie. (performance
April 5,2008)
Fantasy on the name BACH for organ.(perfomance March 1st, 2008)
Te Deum for SATB choir and organ.
Now Sing With Joy for SATB choir and organ. Dedicated to Barbara
McCann and the King Edward Choir. Performance: Nov.29 2008.
Fanfare for Organ (also Nov.29, 2008)
Jubilate Deo for SATB choir and piano (available in Bb-Low or C-High)
Commissioned work due in 2009
Introduzione e Tarantella for solo
flute and concert band. (Orillia Wind Ensemble)
