Paul Grindlay

Bass Soloist

Conductor

Vocal Instructor

Clinician

Adjudicator

Handling the lion’s share of the solo work was bass Paul Grindlay, who also functioned as cantor… the foundation for the solo quartets and other vocal groupings. Grindlay confirmed the impression that he is Calgary’s most capable bass. Vocally solid and authoritative, Grindlay provided many of the memorable moments of the solo side of the performance.
Kenneth DeLong
Review of Monteverdi 1610 Vespers
The Calgary Herald, December 2013
Grindlay proved the rich depth of his low range as his resonant voice drew on various emotions to tell the story of the misguided Spanish knight (Ibert’s Chansons de Don Quichotte). Grindlay’s nuanced, sensitive performance of the last song struck a particular chord with the audience, as he turned the inherent sadness of an individual’s doom into a general requiem for the human condition. The goose-bump inducing moment earned the singer a swell of well-deserved applause.
The Red Deer Advocate
January 23, 2012
… he is one of Canada’s finest singers… There aren’t too many bass voices with the agility, range and burnished radiant tones of Paul Grindlay…
The Whole Note
Bass Paul Grindlay was, on the other hand, nothing short of magnificent. Brilliantly realized text delivered with drama and in a voice that was noble toned and heavy with meaning… this was the finest bass delivery of Charles Jennens’ text I think I have ever heard.
Review of Handel’s Messiah
Hamilton Spectator
The genius artist, “Vertigo,” (for Gluck a fringe character, through whom he mocks himself) is with the English bass-baritone, Paul Grindlay, in every respect advantageously cast.
Translated from the
Salzburger Nachrichten
… the bass of Paul Grindlay with its excellent tone and pitch was often outstanding… Grindlay seized every opportunity, notably resonant in the Laudate Pueri
Toronto Sun

Reflections

From early experiences in English church music, through adolescent adventures in nightclub bands, to a full-fledged musical career, I have sought not only to understand and excel, but also to connect with other artists and audience members. These aptitudes have allowed me to prosper as a professional singer, conductor, voice teacher, choral clinician and adjudicator. My musical interests are broad, encompassing many eras, styles and composers, from medieval to modern, from sacred and classical, to pop and jazz. My knowledge of the voice allows me to work with choirs on a level beyond just crafting the music – I can also build and fine-tune the choral instrument. Known for my collaborative style, good ear and infectious passion for music, I engage individuals and communities in a meaningful, productive and joyful way.

I feel fortunate to have been blessed with a unique bass voice. Perhaps I can take credit for the “ten thousand hours” of practice and commitment spent getting to know my instrument, but mostly I am indebted to the many amazing teachers, mentors, conductors and colleagues who have inspired and supported me on my musical journey, including my parents and grandparents, my wife, my brothers and so many others.

I have enjoyed a quarter century of professional performances on three continents with such groups as the Vienna Chamber Opera, Opera Atelier, Calgary Opera, American Bach Soloists, Carmel Bach Festival, Tafelmusik, Toronto Consort, Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montreal, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, VoiceScapes, Luminous Voices, Pro Coro Canada and many others. When CDs were the go-to music medium, I recorded discs for NAXOS, Toccata Classics and Marquis.

Choral

Trained as a singer at the University of British Columbia, Banff Centre, Britten-Pears School, Carmel Bach Festival and Steans Institute, I was awarded the position as Artistic Director of the Calgary Boys’ Choir in January 2004, and continued until 2019. I undertook conducting studies with Jon Washburn, Jean Ashworth Bartle, Henry Leck and Timothy Shantz. Under my direction, the Calgary Boys’ Choir won many awards, was heard nationally on CBC TV and CTV, and undertook tours to the Czech Republic, Austria, France, Spain, England, Arizona and Oregon. I prepared the 2005 Alberta Children’s Honour Choir and the 2006 Alberta Men’s Choir, co-conducted the 2006 Alberta Boys’ Choir and directed the 2007 “Singspiration” youth choir at Concordia University. I also founded SuperSonic Men’s Choir in 2007, directing the ensemble successfully for three seasons, and serving as Artistic Director of the Airdrie Community Choir between 2009 and 2014.

I currently direct the Knox Presbyterian Church Choir (since 2009), teach voice at Mount Royal Conservatory and work as a freelance performer, coach, clinician and adjudicator. I distinguish myself through results, innovative use of verbal, visual and kinesthetic imagery, constructive and affirming methods, and written follow-up reports. Perennially drawn to male voices, I am perhaps best known for my work with boys and adult male singers, but equally capable and comfortable working with girls and women. My clients include the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, Calgary Bach Festival Society, Edmonton Youth Choir, Grande Prairie Boys’ Choir, Western Hospitality Singers, Calgary Multicultural Choir, and the high school choirs at Dr. E.P. Scarlett, John G. Diefenbaker, William Aberhart, Forest Lawn and Western Canada High Schools.

I have also served two terms on the board of directors for the Alberta Choral Federation (now “Choir Alberta”).

Contact

Contact me for any inquiries. I am available for:

  • Vocal Bass soloist
  • Vocal Instructor
  • Choral Conductor and Clinician
  • Vocal Adjudicator

Thank-you for your inquiry. I will respond to your message as soon as I’m able.