The Accompanist
DAVID CHAFE earned his Bachelor of Music (Honours; Piano Performance) in 2002 and Master of Music in 2004 (Performance and Pedagogy) from the Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Music as a student of Dr. Kristina Szutor. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (1989) from Memorial University which enables him to manage his career as a teacher, performer, accompanist, recording artist, concert producer and musical director from his St. John’s home.
In 2006, David recorded his debut CD of hymns for solo piano It Is Well and was recognized by his peers in the Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MusicNL) as 2006 Gospel Artist of the Year. The following year, MusicNL honoured him with the same award for his follow-up gospel CD Bright and Beautiful. Also in 2007, David was MusicNL’s Classical Artist of the Year for the album Over Hill and Valley with baritone Christopher Bowman. This CD was also awarded 2008 Classical Album of the Year by Music Nova Scotia and was nominated as Classical Recording of the Year by the East Coast Music Association. David rounded out his prolific 2007 with the release of Midnight Clear, a critically acclaimed album of sacred Christmas carols featuring singer and instrumentalist Andrew Dale. The music of Midnight Clear is presented in concert each December and is frequently heard on CBC Radio One.
David was recognized by MusicNL in 2009 for his teaching endeavours, receiving a nomination as Educator of the Year. In Summer 2009, he and colleague Sheena Roberts established the first ever Piano Camp for young pianists aged eleven to sixteen years, specializing in efficient and effective practice and performance techniques. This inaugural Piano Camp was a tremendous success, receiving high praise from the students and their parents and will be an annual event happening in St. John’s every August.
David is co-founder, co-artistic director, manager, accompanist and singer for the Newman Sound men's choir and founding accompanist for the Lady Cove women's choir. His playing can also be heard on CD’s by Lady Cove, Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir, gospel singer Mark House and the gospel group Celebration.
Each September, he produces, hosts and performs in a popular gospel concert which celebrates music with positive messages and showcases an exciting array of established and new talents. David teaches piano and music theory privately, has been mentor to many aspiring young musicians and is the accompanist for some of the most promising students of the MUN School of Music as well as for professional singers, instrumentalists and school choirs. As a solo performer, David regularly performs complete solo piano recitals.
He is a member of the Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia and the East Coast Music Association. He is an adjudicator for music festivals and conservatories throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
In the community, David is Chair of the Board of Directors of Waypoints, a provider of shelter and social and education programs for young people requiring special assistance. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of MusicNL, The Kiwanis Music Festival Association of St. John’s and is on Vestry of St. Thomas’ Anglican Church.
For more information and updates on David’s career, please visit www.davidchafe.ca.
