Dave Pierce

Director of Music
Vancouver 2010 Opening, Closing and Victory Ceremonies
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta

“I’m quite proud to be Canadian and I’m thrilled to be a part of a global stage that will feature Canadian culture. We have a lot to be proud of.”

What is your fondest Winter Olympic memory?
I remember watching the closing ceremonies of the 1988 Calgary Olympics and I was overcome with a dream. That dream turned into a 22-year goal to be part of the Olympic ceremonies the next time they were in Canada. Every step of my career was a calculated move to qualify myself to be in the position I’m in now.

What is your favourite Winter Olympic Sport?
Freestyle Aerial Skiing. A good friend of mine, Steve Omischl, is competing in this sport and I’m really hoping he’ll take home the gold medal.

Born in Drayton Valley, raised in Olds and resides in Calgary, Dave Pierce is a highly accomplished music composer and conductor.  Graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Dave has developed industry leading orchestration techniques that have been commissioned to projects ranging from Broadway productions to albums and singles for contemporary musicians. Dave’s experience and knowledge of producing large-scale productions makes him a valuable member of the Olympic Ceremonies team.

“The Opening and Closing Olympic ceremonies are the only opportunity an artist will have to perform on such a massive stage. The Olympics are so much larger than anything else I’ve been a part of as they recognize much more than sport at an international level,” said Dave.

The idea of being involved in the Olympic ceremonies has been planted in Dave’s consciousness since Calgary hosted the 1988 Games He has waited for this opportunity for some time and is excited about the unique opportunities this position offers. “The level of talent I get to work with, from choreographers to set designers and lighting technicians, is made up of the best in the business.”

Dave has accumulated an impressive list of career highlights. Some notable accomplishments include composing a symphonic piece for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her 2005 Royal Visit to Canada to commemorate Alberta’s centennial. He has also worked with notable contemporary artists Ian Tyson, Paul Brandt, Michael Bublé, Jann Arden, Carrie Underwood, Ron Sexsmith and Suzie McNeil, as well as numerous symphonies, orchestras and theatrical stage shows.

While Dave’s accomplishments as an orchestra arranger, producer and conductor have garnered him world-wide attention, he has managed to keep his finger on the pulse of Alberta’s art and culture scene. “Even though my career has expanded, I love coming back to Alberta and working with Albertan artists,” said Dave.

“I think it’s great to see so many Albertan artists in the Olympic spotlight. There are a lot of artistically talented people in this province and most of the time they don’t get the attention that they truly deserve.  I am the Music Supervisor of the Big Rock Untapped CD series and am amazed at how much indie talent we have here in Alberta and across Canada.”

As Music Director of Olympic Ceremonies, which also includes the responsibility of orchestrating music for the daily victory ceremonies, Dave has much to draw from Canada’s diverse musical landscape. “The biggest challenge I face is being able to include all aspects of Canada’s diverse musical history and being able to speak to Canada as a whole”..

For audio files to the accompany article, link to:
www.davepiercemusic.com

Photo:
Dave Pierce conducting the National Arts Centre Orchestra (supplied, courtesy Raeanne Holoboff)

Return to Notable Albertans >>