When it comes to music — be it classical, jazz or rock — it’s those players who operate behind the soloists who hold everything together. In celebrating the 12th year of the John de Waal Scholarship Fund, it’s important to look past its rightfully respected namesake to glimpse the program’s founder, local eco-friendly homebuilder Peter Mauro of New Casa Company Ltd.
Thanks to Mauro’s work with the scholarship, recipient students have gone on to masters programs at respected music programs from Calgary to Boston and then onto international performance careers. This year also saw the St. Francis School Choir appearing at the Lincoln Center in New York City.
Music director and A-List nominator Brigida Battistessa says Mauro’s impact — like that of the finest accompanist — cannot be overstated.
“Peter tries to realize these kids’ dreams, and gives them that extra boost of confidence,” she says. “He always says, ‘We can do this. Go get your feet dirty, and we’ll pay for this.’”
In Mauro’s eyes, however, the accolades and celebration are better left to the students he supports. “People always want to get publicity with their donations, and I don’t think that’s right,” he says. “I think a person just lives his life, and if he wants to contribute, he contributes, and doesn’t have to tell anybody. Just go and do it and keep it to yourself.” Like many on the A-List, he had to be cajoled into participating with the promise that bringing his work to light might inspire others.
Despite his reticent attitude toward the limelight, Mauro’s voice lights up when discussing the benefits of the scholarship in action. “These kids are performing at the Lincoln Center, and that’s because of the music program at St. Francis. When something comes back to me like that, it’s like, ‘Wow. We helped them do that.’”
And should anyone doubt his motive, one need only review Mauro’s academic record at St. Francis in the late 1960s. “I sang with a rock and roll band,” he remembers, “and unfortunately in those days of blue jeans and long hair, I got kicked out and never went back.” Until 2002, that is, when St. Francis High presented him with an honorary diploma — by the principal behind his expulsion, no less.
“I went down to the Round-Up Centre, and people entering were asking if I was there to watch my son or daughter graduate and I said, ‘No, it’s me!’” Mauro says. “I’ve had 30 years of Grade 12, but it’s all water under the bridge. I just try to do my work and do it well.”
Abbi M. Singh
For inspiring others with his young-at-heart effort
Karo
For being pro bono pros
Parent Support Association
For its unique contribution to keeping parents' sanity
Simon Madhol Atem
For fighting for peace
Dr. Maria Eriksen
For giving, and giving, and giving
MEOW Foundation
For doing the most with the least
The Pumphouse Theatres Society
For cultivating the arts
Paul Hagel
For being on board
The Alexandra Community Health Centre
For building a healthier community
Momentum
For providing a caring push
Child & Youth Friendly Calgary
For inspiring the next generation of A-Listers
Donna Kreese
For coordinating volunteers
First Calgary Savings
For being a small-but-mighty corporate leader
Jack Redekop
For Making the Family Leisure Centre a model of community-based sustainability
Sharon Moore
For focusing on people, not programs
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