 Emmy-nominated Writer ~ Singer / Songwriter Voices In The Sound ~ Vocal Gym ~ Upcoming Events 
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Pauline has been spinning stories
of the heart ever since she graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 1975,
She has received international writing awards, including a Cable Ace
Award and an Emmy nomination for The Song Spinner. Her rich, earthy
voice has been heard in theatres and concert halls across Canada, in the
U.S. and the U.K. singing songs of love and celebration. She was called
"a musical instrument linked to a soul" for her dramatic portrayal of Edith
Piaf in a play she co-wrote. Today, she is part of a growing community working
to integrate art, nature, science, and spirit to support a radical transformation
in human consciousness. |
 to download media hi-res click image above |
| W R I T E R |
Voices
in the Sound  - Pauline's mytho-poetic play, a cosmological
musical about Bowen Island, was performed in the meadow in Crippen Park
and received standing ovations (2005 and 2006). This celebration of the
island begins with a musical telling of the science-based creation story
of the universe. www.voices.biac.caReviewers called the play: "Magical, entertaining, and very moving" "An amazing job of spinning the threads of history, humanity, spirit and nature – fun and funny too." "It is the most magnificent wedding of the Universe Story and bioregionalism that I have ever witnessed." (Connie Barlow, science writer, www.thegreatstory.org) The DVD of Pauline's musical, Voices in the Sound (77 minutes) and CD of the soundtrack to the musical are available by contacting Pauline through EMAIL . |
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Pauline's original feature-length screenplay The Song Spinner is a fantasy set in a mythical land where music is forbidden. When young Aurora receives a magical music box from a mysterious old woman, she finds the courage to stand up to the Noise Police and sing her truth. The film, starring John Neville and Brent Carver, received Emmy nominations for Best Children's Special, and Best Actress, Patti Lupone. Pauline also received an Emmy Nomination, and a Cable ACE Award for Best Writing in a Children's Special. It was broadcast in the U.S. on Showtime as their Christmas Eve Special (1996), and aired several times on CBC-TV. "An enchanting fable – great family entertainment ****." ... (Mick Martin & Marsha Porter's Video Movie Guide) "A delightfully subversive yarn." . . . Edmonton Journal |
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FILM FESTIVAL HONOURS INCLUDE: ~ Children's Choice Award, Atlantic Film Festival ~ Special Award, Festival International de Cinema Jeune Public de Laon, France The Song Spinner, her novel based on the screenplay, was published by Red Deer Press (1994), and received the Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" Award Other incarnations of this story include a radio drama she wrote for CBC (1997), in which Pauline played the role of Zantalalia, the mysterious gypsy singer; and a play for Vancouver Youth Theatre, with children playing all the characters (2000). AVAILABLE through Pauline's EMAIL . |
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S I N G E R // S O N G W R I T E R |
Pauline’s newest CD, Rescue Joy. Sensuous melodies, a great band, and background vocals by The Sojourners black male gospel trio, support Le Bel’s passionate voice and her intelligent, potent lyrics. These are songs of joy, songs of wonder, songs of praise for the beauty before us, songs of mourning for the beauty we’ve lost. They awaken us to the possibility of a new intimacy with the Earth and with each other. CD Launch party and concert with Pauline on vocals and piano; Jay Knutson, electric and acoustic guitars; Peter Lepine, bass and harmonica; Buff Allen, drums and percussion; and the Rescue Joy choir. 4 - 6 pm: The Gallery at Artisan Square, March 21 2001. To purchase CD click here or online at www.cdbaby.com/cd/paulinelebel2 where you can also listen to excerpts. For media download hi-res image click here |
Pauline’s CD of French songs, La tendresse, is an evocative collection of the songs of Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel and includes three original songs by Pauline. Produced by J. Knutson. La tendresse, has received extensive play on CBC Radio and Radio Canada. Disc Drive’s producer called it, "a truly listenable CD, very intimate, a treat."
"This is stop-you-in-your-tracks singing." . . . Audrey Grescoe, The Undercurrent Pour renseignements ou pour acheter son nouvel album, La tendresse, interprétant les chansons de Piaf, Brel, Leclerc et ses compositions, communiquer à : songspinner@shaw.ca or from CD Isle at www.cdisle.ca/store/ and www.cdbaby.com. |
 In 1999, Pauline released a CD of her own songs. Dancing with the Crone, is a tapestry of world beat, celtic and African chant that honours the archetype of the Wise Old Woman. Many of the songs from the CD appear in Pauline's one-woman show, When the Grandmothers Speak, a weaving of song, dance and improvisation which portrays old age not as a failure, but as a ripening juicy, wise, and prophetic time for women and men. CD Reviews: "This is the finest goddess music CD of the year ... the perfect album to listen to by candlelight on a rainy evening. Each song wraps us up in a warm blanket of dark, compassionate Crone energy and wisdom." ... The Beltane Papers, Spring 2002 "Pauline has a dramatic voice, alternately rich and full or as old and mysterious as the mountains." ... Serpentine Music, 2003 catalogue |
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All three of Pauline's CDs are available through: ~ the Canadian on-line CD store at : www.cdisle.ca/store/ -- (on the right side choose "world music" or "female artist" and you'll be able to listen to brief excerpts from both of Pauline's CDs) ~ or through Pauline's email songspinner@shaw.ca |
Reviewers praised her passionate portrayal of Edith
Piaf in the musical she co-wrote:
"Pauline Le Bel a une voix plus riche
et plus métallique que celle de Piaf. Mais qu’elle se mette à
chanter et c’est l’enchantement, la transformation, le miracle." ... (La Presse) "There is more than a touch of magic in her performance...a musical instrument linked to a soul." ... (Victoria Times) "Le Bel’s voice is devastating. It combines raw power with discipline in a way that puts a lump in your throat and sends chills up your spine." ... (Foisy, CHQM Vancouver) "Le Bel – a musical Bernhardt," ... (London Free Press) |
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V O I C E S I N T H E S O U N D In 2005, Pauline created and organized a 3-day festival, Voices In The Sound to relive the magic of Bowen Island's history, to deepen our connection to the land and to each other. Hundreds of islanders and visitors walked the land, churned old-fashioned ice cream at the Union Steamship Picnic, "tapped their toes to Pauline's new musical" about Bowen, feasted on wild salmon, and marched in the Bull Kelp Orchestra Parade. This lively community festival brought together local artists, musicians, actors, historians, naturalists, storytellers and businesses to honour the past and dream the future of this island in the Salish Sea. In 2006, Pauline recreated the festival and expanded the vision to include Squamish Nation storytellers and dancers, as well as the Squamish Seagoing Canoe Family in their 45 foot handmade cedar dugout canoe. www.voices.biac.ca. Pauline has put the festival on hold while she focuses on her music and writing. |
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For more information click here |
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For more information about performances, vocal classes, and to purchase CDs, DVDs and Song Spinner books, contact Pauline Le Bel P.O. Box D-70 Bowen Island BC Canada V0N 1G0 or send her 
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