Music
Music Director David Simon
David Simon is an organ recitalist, liturgical musician, and music instructor. He is the Director of Music at the historic Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto where he directs the Gallery Choir, accompanies the liturgy, and maintains the musical tradition made famous by the work of his predecessor Healey Willan. David also has the privilege of teaching organ, piano, conducting, and music theory at St. Michael's Choir School, having grown up there as a chorister himself. He is also on the roster of organists at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, playing at weekly masses.
David has won first prize at competitions in various organ disciplines: in interpretation at the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) playing competition; in improvisation at the University of Michigan organ improvisation competition; and in composition in the RCCO Toronto 100th Anniversary Organ Composition Competition.
David has performed across North America, the UK, Europe, and Russia as a recitalist and accompanist. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Yale University and has studied with Thomas Murray, Jeffrey Brillhart, and Patricia Wright. David is an examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music and he is a Fellow of the RCCO, winning prizes for top national achievement.
Previous music Schedules:
2023 Advent to Easter 2024 (Year B)
2024 Eastertide to Christ the King (Year B)
2024 Advent to Easter 2025 (Year C)
Music has always been an important part of the identity of our church. This became especially true during the long and productive tenure of Healey Willan from 1921 until his death in 1968. His famed choir and own virtuosic skill as an organist brought renown to the church. This legacy has evolved over the years, and the music programme has come to be one with breadth of variety and style. We are fortunate to have many skilled musicians who contribute greatly to the musical life of our parish.
In addition to the Willan tradition of the 11:00 Solemn Mass, there is also a regular 9:30 eucharist using modern language. It includes both traditional and contemporary hymns using Common Praise with adults and children participating in reading and announcements.
The Gallery Choir at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto has enjoyed a distinguished reputation since its founding by the world-renowned composer, organist and conductor Healey Willan in the 1920s. It sings at the 11am Solemn Mass every Sunday at SMM, and on feast days throughout the year. The repertoire, strongly rooted in the tradition established by Healey Willan, includes many mass settings and motets from the Renaissance period to the Willan era, as well as modern works of contemporary composers.
As in Willan’s day, the choristers are all volunteers. A prize-winner in the first CBC Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs in 1976 and again in 2008, the Gallery Choir has made over a dozen recordings, and continues to offer concerts at SMM and beyond. Membership is by audition. For more information, contact David Simon, Director of Music at david@stmarymagdalene.ca