Canon Dr. Giles Bryant, the esteemed Canadian organist, choir director, scholar, and successor to Healey Willan at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto, has passed away at the age of 91.
His death marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Canadian church music, leaving behind a legacy defined by artistic brilliance, generosity of spirit, and a personality as memorable as the music he championed.
Born in 1934, Giles Bryant devoted his life to the pursuit of sacred music, eventually becoming one of the most respected figures in the field. His deep connection to the works of Healey Willan, one of Canada’s most celebrated composers of liturgical music, shaped much of his career.
When Willan passed away in 1968, Bryant stepped into the monumental role of leading the music program at St. Mary Magdalene—the spiritual and artistic home from which Willan’s music radiated.
Bryant embraced the position with reverence and distinction, ensuring that the musical traditions established by his predecessor continued to flourish. For many who knew him, Dr. Bryant’s warmth, hospitality, and larger-than-life personality were just as unforgettable as his musical accomplishments.
One cherished memory captures this quality vividly. On an intensely snowy day, three visitors—determined to record oral histories surrounding Healey Willan—made the long, treacherous drive from Toronto to Bryant’s home nestled in the beautiful Ontario countryside.
The setting itself felt almost storybook: quiet fields, heavy snow, and an atmosphere reminiscent of a 19th-century pastoral painting. Before they could even knock, Bryant swung open the door with his signature exuberance.
In his resonant British accent, he exclaimed, “Ohhhhhhhh! So wonderful that you could make it out in such bleak weather… do come in please, let’s warm up and enjoy some egg salad and Old Speckled Hen!”
His welcome was so heartfelt and animated that it surpassed even the high expectations of those who already knew of his legendary charm. What followed was an unforgettable afternoon filled with lively conversation, stories of Willan, and warm companionship with Bryant and his beloved wife, Beverley.
He guided his guests through his home, a treasure trove of artifacts, oil paintings, musical memorabilia, and decades of carefully preserved history. The visit culminated in a thoughtful, in-depth interview in his study—an experience that would leave a lasting imprint on all who were present.
As they prepared to depart, Bryant handed over an unexpected gift: a box containing rare materials related to Healey Willan, including dissertations, vinyl recordings, and his own two-volume edited catalogue of Willan’s works. It was, as he modestly put it, “some help”—though to the recipient, it felt more like a treasure chest.
