Article

Arthur Poynter

Published Online February 7, 2006

Last Edited December 15, 2013

Poynter, Arthur (Robert). Composer, choir conductor, b Hamilton, Ont, 16 Nov 1913, d Toronto 30 Jun 1981; BA (McMaster) 1943, B DIV (McMaster) 1946. He served 1948-58 as a Baptist minister in Toronto and lectured 1955-63 at McMaster Divinity College.

Poynter, Arthur

Poynter, Arthur (Robert). Composer, choir conductor, b Hamilton, Ont, 16 Nov 1913, d Toronto 30 Jun 1981; BA (McMaster) 1943, B DIV (McMaster) 1946. He served 1948-58 as a Baptist minister in Toronto and lectured 1955-63 at McMaster Divinity College. He also studied composition 1950-4 at the University of Toronto, organized, and directed 1946-58, the Toronto Baptist Choral Society (which in 1950 premiered his first opera, The Triumph of Our Lord) and directed 1958-64 the Oratorio Society. His compositions include anthems, song-cycles, and oratorios, (See Oratorios composition) and a second opera, The Birth of Our Lord, part of which was performed in 1969 at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto. Illness curtailed his career in 1972. His publishers include Harris and Jarman. His status as associate composer is maintained at the Canadian Music Centre.