I don't usually include private events on my gig calendar, and certainly not memorial services, but this is a special exception, as I know many of my friends and colleagues would want to attend.

David Ford was the head of music at North Toronto C.I. for three decades, as well as being a huge part of Toronto's All-City Orchestra, National Music Camp of Canada, East York Symphony, and Kiwanis Music Festival. He was one of my first musical mentors, always pushing me to do better and celebrating my accomplishments.

A number of strings alumni will be coming together under the baton of Ivars Taurins and with Joyce Lai as concertmaster to play for the service. Dorothy Lawson (ETHYL) will be flying in from New York to play Fauré's Elegie, and we'll also be playing music by Elgar and Grieg – probably through a few tears.

I am looking forward to seeing and playing with some of my former classmates again, but I keep catching myself believing I'll be playing with David again as well. Perhaps he will, in fact, be joining in on cello.

Please visit https://mountpleasantgroup.permavita.com/site/DavidParkFord.html for his obituary and memorial details, and to sign the guestbook.

"The Armed Man" was the first concert I performed with the King Edward Choir – back when I still lived on the other side of Lake Simcoe! It's a thrill to return to play this work again, now as important as ever, with my dear friend from B.Mus days conducting!

King Edward Choir presents "The Armed Man" by acclaimed British composer Karl Jenkins.

This thrilling work is perhaps more meaningful and moving than ever. Hear and see it performed by the 48 voices of KEC, with a guest youth choir, accompanied by a chamber orchestra.

Tickets available at Our House, 55 Dunlop St. East, by calling 705-733-7955, or online via ShowPass