Six String Nation at UVIC

UVIC hosted an historical event last week at the University Centre's Farquhar Auditorium. Saint Michaels University School presented an outstanding Spotlight on Canada Concert, with a very special moment at the end of the show.

Victoria musician Paul O'Brien premiered his new song "The Voyageur" on the guitar of the same name - an honoured guest brought all the way from Toronto by SMUS, just so this song could be played.

Voyageur is the Six String Nation guitar, crafted from 64 pieces of Canada, from every province/territory across the country. Every piece means something. Every piece has a story. Bits include Trudeau's paddle, Louis Riel's schoolhouse, and the Golden Spruce of Haida Gwaii. Victoria's contribution is piece of Fan Tan Alley's original doorway.

Voyageur first visited Victoria last October (see above pic - Mile Zero's Terry Fox Memorial) with project creator Jowi Taylor. It drew a crowd wherever it went, and was a particular hit at SMUS - where Paul O'Brien played it for the students. The day afterwards, he was inspired to write this song.

He was accompanied by SMUS Senior School Orchestra - an 80-piece orchestra and 80-voice choir with orchestral arrangement by Donna Williams. The song received a standing ovation.

Here's the video: