D. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Canada's first professional chamber choir dedicated to the creation, preservation and performance of Afrocentric choral music. Brainerd is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator and lecturer, and is an active and dedicated church musician.
Learn more about 2023 finalist D. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor and his practise below.
In your own words, can you describe your practice and why you're drawn to the art you do?
I use music, and specifically choral music, as a medium with which to educate, empower, inspire, heal, bring light, spread love. Every performance is an opportunity to change lives, not just entertain. I work as a conductor/educator/facilitator not for recognition, but because I love the craft of music making and feel called to share it with others.
Tell us what it means to be recognized as a Toronto Arts Foundation Award finalist.
Being recognised as a Toronto Arts Foundation Award finalist is a reminder to me that I am not alone in this work; [this work] is important and has impact. It is a welcome encouragement to keep doing the work, as authentically as I am able.