 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 |
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"Maintaining one's zest for life is the crucial spiritual challenge of this deep transition. And that's what your work does so well, Pauline. With movement, dance, voice, song, you electrify us. You are a way Universe maintains its deep zest." . . . Brian Swimme, mathematical cosmologist, author, The Universe is a Green Dragon, The Hidden Heart of the Cosmos |
| W R I T E R |
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International Poetry News: Three of Pauline’s poems on the theme of music were published in Cyclamens and Swords, an international online literary magazine. You can read them at: www.cyclamensandswords.com/poetry_august_2010_1.php
One of the poems is also on Pauline’s blog: http://paulinelebel.wordpress.com
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 |
"... a musical instrument linked to a funny bone." Pauline's
newest CD, Deep Fun: Songs about Science, Food, and Sex
(available May 2011) features her amusing song about Darwin's theory of
evolution: "Who Knew Science Could Be So Much Fun"; a torch song
about friendly bacteria: "Mitochondria Motel"; an ode to garlic:
"The Stinking Rose"; her hilarious song about the effects of
music on the brain: "The Neurochemical Song and Dance"; her testament
to kissing: "A Kiss By Any Other Name", and a song she wrote
for Marlene Dietrich: "Vy Don't Ve Do Somesin' Mad Togezzer".
With inspired (and at times whimsical) backup by cellist, Corbin Keep;
guitarist, Teun Schut; and percussionist, Buff Allen, this album is guaranteed
to split your sides and feed your brain. To purchase or view go to www.cdbaby.com/cd/paulinelebel3"Like Pauline herself, her new CD, Deep Fun, is engaging, entertaining, and totally different. What a treat" . . . Sheryl McKay, NXNW CBC Radio International Singing News: Two more of Pauline’s French songs have been purchased by a Taiwanese company for inclusion in a compilation CD of French songs. The first CD, Les parfums de Paris and the second, Chansons de cabaret are both available on Amazon.com or email Pauline. |
Pauline’s 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. "Your CD Rescue Joy is marvelous – so moving in its vitality and depth. May your songs reach many ears and hearts! Sing on!" . . . Environmentalist and eco-philosopher, Joanna Macy "Of course, I found the title track particularly appropriate for my situation. But the whole album is equally inspirational, full of wisdom and sharp observation and just plain gorgeous music. RESCUE JOY is an album to be sinfully proud of. Thanks for helping me to rescue my joy." . . . Spider Robinson, writer "Rescue Joy ... reflects Le Bel's ability to absorb life's painful moments, reflect upon them, and send them back into the world with a note of hope attached." . . . The Undercurrent, March 12, 2010 
A portion of all proceeds from the sale of Rescue Joy will be donated
to the David Suzuki Foundation, an environmental organization.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 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 |
| Pauline's CDs are available ~ through Pauline's email songspinner@shaw.ca ~ purchase "Rescue Joy" online at www.cdbaby.com ~ purchase "La tendresse" online at www.cdbaby.com ~ purchase "Deep Fun" online at www.cdbaby.com ~ download from iTunes and CD Baby |
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. |
| U P C O M I N G E V E N T S 2 0 1 2 |
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January - February - Pauline will be working exclusively on her book on cosmology, and how story shapes our view of the world and ourselves. In collaboration with Cheryl Genet, PhD. January 28 - An Evening in Paris - Pauline is featured in this French Cabaret, a fundraiser for Island Pacific School. Tix $35 at IPS and Phoenix March 2012 - Science, Wisdom, and the Future - Pauline's chapter, "Sing Two Songs and Call Me in the Morning" will be included in this book, published by Collins Foundation Press. www.collinsfoundationpress.com/ April 3 - Elder College, Capilano University - Telling a Better Story - Pauline is joined by biologist, Paul Fast, for an hour-long interactive presentation that takes the audience on a fascinating evolutionary journey. Through poetry, song, and story they tell the scientific creation story of the birth and evolution of the Universe, a story that offers us a deeper understanding of the role of humans, inspires respect for the natural world, and motivates us to take action so that future generations may thrive on a flourishing Earth. The presentation is part of a six-part series, Issues & Ideas, sponsored by the David Suzuki Elders. For information and to register: www.capilanou.ca/ce/eldercollege/north-shore-ec/Tuesdays/ |
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P A S T E V E N T S |
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2011 January 26- March 2 - 7:30 - 9:00 pm. Vocal Playshop - Pauline will be giving a series of 6 vocal classes for all levels of singers. The classes focus on playful sound making, range, resonance and interpretation in a non-traditional way to increase confidence and expressiveness no matter what genre of music. Maximum 10. Beginners welcome. Location: Bowen Court Hall 1070 Miller Rd. For information and to register, email: songspinner@shaw.ca. February/March - Pauline is in the studio recording her amusing songs for her 5th CD, DEEP FUN - Songs about Science, Food and Sex. She is accompanied by cellist, Corbin Keep; guitarist, Teun Schut; and bassist Susanna Braund, with Pauline on keyboards. The CD will be available in May. May/June - Pauline is planning a concert tour of Vancouver/Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands to promote her new CD. She will also be offering vocal playshops. Visit her blog for more information paulinelebel.wordpress.com/. May 5 - Vocal Playshop - for singers at all levels. Beginners welcome. 7-10 p.m. The Gallery at Artisan Square, Bowen Island. Adults - $35; Seniors - $30. For information and to register email: admin@biac.ca May 7 - Deep Fun Concert - Pauline performs her amusing songs about science, food and sex at The Gallery at Artisan Square, Bowen Island. For information and reservations email: admin@biac.ca May 12 - Deep Fun - Pauline will perform her amusing songs about science, food and sex at the Silk Purse in West Vancouver. 10:30 a.m. For information and reservation: www.silkpurse.ca May 20 - Deep Fun Concert - Salt Spring Island. Please contact Samantha Sanderson swsanderson@shaw.ca June 15 - Deep Fun Concert - Courtenay, BC. Please contact Nancy Morrison nancyjmorrison@hotmail.com June 25 - Vocal playshop at "Human Be Herd" - an Equine Facilitated Personal Development workshop at Gavin Lake Forestry Centre, near Williams Lake BC. For more information, check the website: www.humanbeherd.com or email Thea Fast at horsingaround@telus.net. July 9 - Write on Bowen! Gala Pauline will read from her book of short stories, Where I Sang for My Father: a Memoir. Cates Hill Chapel. 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Bowen Island Arts Council. For tickets and more information: admin@biac.ca. October 2 - Whidbey Island. Unitarian Universalist Church. Pauline will present her musical poetic telling of the scientific creation myth with the congregation making the sounds of the Universe. October 18 - Vocal Gym. Pauline's popular vocal class for all levels of singers. The Gallery on Bowen Island 7-9 pm. For information: admin@biac.ca November 15 - Breath, Sound and Movement - for singers and non-singers. The Gallery on Bowen Island 7-9 pm. For information: admin@biac.ca November 24 - Suzuki Elders Forum. Pauline will open and close the forum with song. Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch For information and to register: 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 Box 412 Bowen Island BC Canada V0N 1G0 or send her an 
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