On Friday, November 10, 2023, at 7:30 PM, Lawrence Park Community Church will host a special evening in honour of Mark Toews, who served as Director of Music for 30 years. Mark passed away from cancer on May 22, 2021. Because of the Covid outbreak, a celebration of his musical legacy was impossible. This evening is a tribute to that legacy.
The evening will begin with opening remarks from Dr. Daniel Rubinoff, who succeeded Mark as Director of Music on August 1, 2022. Celebrated Canadian composer and Order of Canada recipient Mark Sirett will then share a few words about his composition, “For the Music of Creation,” which was commissioned by Mark Toews and remained unperformed, due to Mark’s prolonged illness. This performance is a world première.
The remaining musical selections cover a diverse range of styles and feature composers to whom Mark was particularly drawn. Celebrated British Bob Chilcott, for example, was a friend of Mark’s, and thus we chose to include the evocative anthem; “If You Love Me”and “Awake as in the Skies Above,” a hymn tune that is now known as “Lawrence Park.”
Other compositions by Paul Halley, Richard Nance and Paul Winter reflect Mark’s
commitment to contemporary church music. Guest musicians will contribute to the evening, including trumpeter Robert DeVito, cellist Peter Rapson and flutist Taya Rosenberg. The Lawrence Park Community Church Choir and soloists will anchor the evening - expertly supported by organist Chris Dawes
and saxophonist/percussionist Kenny Kirkwood.Mark Toews was the former president of the Royal Canadian College of Organists and in
addition to being a master performer, he also was instrumental in procuring the
magnificent Florence Grand organ that graces the sanctuary at Lawrence Park.
Eleanor Daley’s Trinitas suite for organ held a special place in Mark’s repertoire, and we are thrilled that composer and Order of Canada recipient Eleanor Daley herself will perform the middle movement of Trinitas and that Chris Dawes will perform the outer movements.
The duration of the concert is approximately 60 minutes. There will be an opportunity for the audience to sing along with the choir when we perform a few of Mark’s favourite hymns, and we will enjoy a few reminiscences from musicians and former LPCCMinister, Rev. Dr. John Suk, a close colleague of Mark’s.
The concert is expected to run for approximately 60 minutes, and we will celebrate
Mark’s legacy with a reception in the Gathering Hall following the concert.
The concert is free and will be accessible on ZOOM for those unable to attend in person:There will be a freewill offering to support the music ministry of Lawrence Park Community Church.
Reservations are required through Eventbrite: