Maestro Willsher has been Artistic Director of the Montreal-based Cantabile Chorale since 1992. Under his leadership, the ensemble has performed most of the classical choral repertoire, including such major works as the Verdi Requiem and the Bach Passions.
Of special interest to Mr. Willsher is the sponsorship of young classical vocalists from McGill University who are on the threshold of their careers. For many of them, it is the first opportunity to perform professionally with a full choir and orchestra. Many of them are now pursuing careers in Europe and North America.
He studied clarinet, piano and conducting in the UK at Trinity College of Music. His post-graduate studies took him to Siena, Italy to study conducting with Maestro Franco Ferrara. Since his arrival in Canada, he has taught in Newfoundland, Cornwall and Ottawa, Ontario, where he also conducted extensively. He now resides in Montréal, Québec.
Increasingly composing has become a major interest. Peter Willsher writes music that explores the relationship between voice and instrument. Several of his works have been written for and performed by Cantabile Chorale, as well as many choirs around the world. His music has been performed in every continent. In 2009, he was invited to direct one of his works at the famous St. Martin in the Fields church in London, England.
To sample some of his works,
go to http://www.youtube.com/user/ClassicalComposer?feature=mhum