Well-known Canadian musician to perform after evening worship

by Mary Mellish

Trumpeter Stuart Laughton will perform a recital with organist Dr. Chris Teeuwsen following Evensong on October 22 at 4:00 p.m. at St. John’s Ancaster.

The renowned classical trumpeter, with strong roots in blues and jazz, was an original member of Canadian Brass.

At 19, he left Canada to study with the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. While continuing his studies, he was appointed principal trumpet of the La Scala Opera by Claudio Abbado.

On his return to Canada, he became the trumpet concerto soloist with the Toronto Symphony, the Winnipeg Symphony and Concertmaster of the Hannaford Street Silver Band.

In 1993, he founded Opening Day Recordings, promoting Canadian musicians such as Janina Fialkowski, Judy Loman, R. Murray Schaefer, Mary Lou Fallis and the Hannaford Street Silver Band. Of 20 discs released, six were nominated for Juno awards.

His lifelong interest in blues music led to founding Pork Belly Futures—a four-piece roots, rock and blues band. He rejoined Canadian Brass in 2003 for two and a half years, and has been the founding Artistic Director of The Forest Festival in Haliburton Forest since 2007.

He often performs as RadioDial, under the concept that, as with spinning a radio dial, what you’ll hear next is often a surprise.

Mary Mellish reports for St. John’s Ancaster.