In the spring of 1989, Pam and I had both been living in Montreal for 7 years, and we were about to go our separate ways. She was moving to the west coast to study music therapy, and I was moving east, “home” to Nova Scotia.

Pam had been studying voice and integrated music at Concordia University, singing in the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Chorus (which took her to Carnegie Hall!), and had developed her vocal chops and classical repertoire enough to give a full concert. I’d had my Heintzman upright piano craned into my upstairs apartment, and hosted a few house concerts, including this one.

I had totally forgotten about this concert until I listened to the cassette tape that I found in Pam’s apartment. The writing on the spline is even mine! I probably had a microphone plugged into my flatmate’s amp, and no doubt made copies for our parents.

I recognize lots of appreciative sounds from Linda Morrison in the audience. She directed the Yellow Door Tabernacle Choir which Pam and I had joined circa 1984. Pam had gone on to “grander” choirs in the meantime (although she also busked in the Metro for money), but there were probably several friends from the YDTC in the room.

Listening 30 years later, I’m impressed with Pam’s vocal range and power, her musicality, and her lightness of being as she introduces each piece.

She made many recordings with the fine chamber choirs she was in throughout her life.

I think the accompanist was our friend, concert pianist Alan Fraser.

I’m leaving all the extraneous chat for atmosphere, but there’s a music-only edit further down, minus the introductions, translations, chit-chat and applause.

First half:

1. Ave Maria, Bach / Gounod
2. Am Tage Aller Seelen, by Franz Schubert
3. Who is Sylvia, by Gerald Finzi / Shakespeare
4. Oh Mistress Mine, by Gerald Finzi / Shakespeare
5. Wiosna, by Frédéric Chopin
6. The Crucifixion, by Samuel Barber
7. The Daisies, by Samuel Barber

Second half:

1. Sea Fever, by John Ireland / lyrics John Masefield
2. Santa Chiara, by John Ireland / lyrics Arthur Symons
3. La Maja Dolorosa, by Enrique Granados
4. El Majo Descreto, by Enrique Granados
5. Solvieg’s Lied, by Edvard Grieg
6. Ein Schwan, by Edvard Grieg

Music-only version

Minus “atmosphere”. No introductions, translations, applause or chit-chat.