Canadian Brass - FEATURE STORY

Elmer Iseler

A Tribute to Dr. Elmer W. Iseler, L.L.D., O.C., O.Ont.

by Sandra R. Wilkinson

In April of 1998, the Canadian Brass bid a sad farewell to their close friend and mentor, Dr. Elmer Iseler. Considered an icon in Canadian choral music, Dr. Iseler, who founded and directed the Festival Singers of Canada, the Elmer Iseler Singers as well as being conductor of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir for 33 years, took a chance on the then unknown quintet and took them on their first European tour in 1972.

Elmer Iseler Together they thrilled and delighted audiences with the performance of brilliant antiphonal music for choir and brass. They would again join forces at the Kennedy Center in 1976 as part of Canada's salute to the U S Bicentennial. This also marked the Brass' solo debut at the Centre, a venue they would come to perform regularly throughout their career. This would be followed by numerous concerts and broadcasts for choir and brass as well as another European tour in 1980, culminating in an illustrious association that spanned over 25 years.

In 1992, Dr. Iseler was asked to conduct the Gabrieli for Brass recording. The Canadian Brass were joined by members of the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra Brass. Elmer's well-honed skill and expertise was needed to provide insight into the correct dynamics and interpretation of Gabrieli's music, who, it must be remembered, was actually a brilliant composer of choral music. It seemed so fitting to have him associated with this special project and his collaboration and contribution proved pivotal to the project's success.

Graeme, Gene, Elmer, Fred, Chuck, Ron in 1974

Other recordings included Joyful Sound CBC Radio-Canada SM-203 with the Festival Singers of Canada and the Canadian Brass under the direction of Elmer Iseler and The Christmas Album with the Elmer Iseler Singers and the Canadian Brass and Elmer Iseler as conductor.

Chuck Daellenbach would later pay him one of the greatest tributes when he said that "Elmer Iseler was the closest we ever had to a musical director." He had a special way of relating to them both musically and professionally as well as caring for them all much like a proud father. Someone like that is irreplaceable in the hearts of so many around the world who join with the Canadian Brass in remembering him with a deep sense of fondness, love and gratitude.

Thank you Elmer - we all miss you.

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