Sing for Peace concert inspires social action

Pat Mathews celebrates ten years of organizing peace concerts. PHOTO: Heather Emberley

Ten years ago Pat Mathews wanted to do something to promote world peace.

He successfully wove his skills, connections and experience as a high school teacher, University of Manitoba Faculty of Education Teacher Candidate Advisor and music director into a tapestry of community involvement to produce an annual peace concert.

Mathews’ vision is reflected in the theme of the concert:

“Peace in our hearts.
Peace in our homes,
Peace in our country and
Peace in our world.”

As Co-Ordinator of the event, Mathews has added some new features for the 10^th anniversary free concert, 2:30 p.m., Sun. Nov. 8 to be held at 85 Kirkbridge Drive (Mary, Mother of the Church).

For the first time, a children’s choir will participate and there will be a free will offering donated to Care Canada in support of Syrian Refugees which will be matched by the Government of Canada. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the concert.

“(My greatest joy) is getting people in the community together to know each other for peace and justice,” says Mathews.

The interfaith event will incorporate church choirs, schools and individual artists. Performers include the Community Combined Choir, Dalhousie Ward Young Women’s Choir, Fort Richmond Collegiate Brass Quintet, Band and Trombone Trio, St. Norbert Collegiate Jazz Choir and the host church’s children’s choir.

Abe Peters will facilitate stories of Afghan refugees.

Musical accompaniment features pianists Jacqueline Leung, Karen Ferreria and Curtis Weins, violinist Jennifer Sisson and Debbie Spindler on flute.

As Pat Mathews reflects on his decade of organizing peace concerts he says, “I’m happy we’re moving from singing and praying to action. Starting with a collection for Syrian families, the goal is to unite south Winnipeg churches to sponsor a refugee family as an offshoot of the sing for peace project.”