Peter Gillis [Cape Breton Tenor] Media

Cape Breton tenor to release Christmas album
The Cape Breton Post (Published Nov. 26, 2008)

Peter Gillis will launch his Christmas CD in the place where he would have first publicly performed many of the holiday songs. "A Cape Breton Tenor Christmas" will be launched in a special concert at Holy Redeemer Church in Whitney Pier Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

"Holy Redeemer is my home parish. I grew up singing in that choir," recalled Gillis.
An accomplished tenor who has performed with opera companies across the United States and in Europe, Gillis now calls New Jersey home and, as result, was able to bring some renowned New York musicians on board for his latest recording.

"New York is a rich source for top-flight classical players who are equally at home in the Celtic-folk tradition," he said, noting his holiday album includes, "percussionist Steve Holloway, fresh from his Riverdance national tour, Carly Simon's guitarist Peter Calo - who's also played with James Taylor - and young fiddler of choice, Jane Hunt, who's toured with the Three Irish Sopranos, and with Ronan Tynan of the Three Irish Tenors."

The result is a 14-track album with Gillis' commanding voice complimented by exquisite arrangements combining strings, winds, harp, and choir. "A Cape Breton Tenor Christmas" features classics like "Joy to the World", "Let There Be Peace" and "Silent Night" as well as the somewhat lesser known "Huron Carol" and "In The Bleak Midwinter." Gillis also tackled what he described as the "sacrosanct" Christmas piece, "O Holy Night." In a nutshell, there's a little something to appeal to everyone.

"The CD ended up covering a lot of styles but the thread that connects it all is the Cape Breton tenor," said Gillis, who has combined the Celtic folk tradition that he grew up around with the classical technique and operatic style he now masters, on two previous projects. He released a self-titled album in 2002 and a second CD, "Homeward Bound" in 2006, and said a Christmas album is something that's always been in the back of his mind.

The timing was right this year to make the recording and Gillis is pleased with the end product, which he hopes people will want to pop in their CD player each Christmas season.
"Christmas makes music lovers of us all," said Gillis, noting the music of the season brings up memories of childhood and holidays past. "Christmas music is so powerful and evocative. We go down memory lane."

Gillis will be joined by a talented group of local musicians and singers for Sunday's show. Advance tickets for the CD launch concert are $15 and available at all Pharmasave outlets, the Cape Breton Curiosity Shop, Gillis BMR, or $17 at the door the night of the show.
Following the official release, copies of the CD will be available at various outlets across the island.