Paul J. Bourret (1933-2010)

Paul J. Bourret was born in Lebret, SK and grew up in Lethbridge, AB. He received his education at the University of Alberta and spent all of his adult life in Edmonton. He was Supervisor of Music for Edmonton Catholic Schools, and Founder and Artistic Director of the Edmonton Columbian Choirs from 1966-1995.

He was the Executive Director of the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival, Past-President of the Alberta Music Festival Board and a member of the Anne Burrows Foundation Board. Paul was responsible for bringing the 2008 Canadian National Music Festival to Edmonton.

Paul was also instrumental in the running of The Shean Strings and Piano Competition since its inception and in his honour, The Shean Trust Committee has renamed the award for best performance of the test piece to the Paul J. Bourret Prize for Best Performance of the Test Piece.

Among his many awards are:

• Richard S. Eaton Award of Distinction for a Lifetime of Service to Choral Music in Alberta – presented by the Alberta Choral Federation.
• Member of Edmonton’s Cultural Hall of Fame – presented by the City of Edmonton
• Alberta Centennial Medal
• Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal.