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Join us at St Mary’s for a unique blend of exceptional jazz rooted in the context of meditation and prayer. This evening's music will be provided by The Attila Fias Quartet, featuring: Attila Fias (piano), Kelby MacNayr (drums), Peter Dowse (electric bass) and Roy Styffe (saxophone)
Check out the full 2023-2024 series NEWS post
Evolving out of two ancient services of prayer as the sun is setting—vespers and compline—the service of Evensong is an opportunity to put the events of the past day into perspective, to ground one’s body, mind and spirit in preparation for the restorative night of sleep, when in our dreaming, our subconscious will continue the creative work of making sense of our experiences.
Jazz, as Ken Burns says, is “a profound intersection of freedom and creativity”. So, whether you are a seasoned jazz lover or a newcomer to the genre, you will be sure to find something to speak to you at this unique and moving experience of making sense of your day. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this inspiring and intimate celebration of faith and music. All are welcome!
A collection will be taken in support of this ongoing series.
About the Musicians
Attila Fias, a Hungarian-born, Toronto-raised platinum-selling pianist, composer and producer living in Victoria BC, is renowned for seamlessly blending world music with jazz. Recognized for his spectacular and pyrotechnic playing and his creative composing, critics also praise him as a lyrical piano interpreter and arranger, breathing new life into others' works.
He has performed on prestigious stages worldwide in major venues, in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Montreal and all over the world, in places such as India, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Morocco, Brazil and many more. Attila has collaborated, performed and recorded with many acclaimed national and international musicians, and leads many of his own groups playing his compositions and arrangements. He is working on his latest album of original compositions set to be released in 2024.
Roy Styffe is regarded by many as one of the finest improvisers in Canada. Multi-instrumentalist (saxophone/clarinet/flute) Roy Styffe has been wowing audiences for over 30 years. He has played with the greatest names in Canadian jazz and continues to push the envelope of excellence in the world of improvisation. Based in Victoria B.C. Roy currently works for the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. The Naden Band tours the world and performs and records frequently.
Peter Dowse started playing bass at 13, mainly influenced by the Beatles playing in every neighborhood band he could and by 18, left Montreal to play in a top R&B band touring southern Ontario 6 nights a week. This led to becoming a top session player working with the best musicians in New York. Now living in Victoria, he enjoys being a part of the thriving music scene playing everything from Cuban timba, Pink Floyd, to John Coltrane.
Drummer, composer, and band-leader Kelby MacNayr performs groundbreaking original music, soulful swinging jazz, reaching contemporary music and traditional music from around the world. A dynamic and creative musician MacNayr performs in Canada and abroad with leading musicians from New York, Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto & Europe.