Our Artistic Team
Greg Rainville
Artistic Director
As a major advocate of the creation of new and unique Canadian music, Greg is a dynamic conductor, vocal coach and music educator with an extensive traditional and contemporary classical repertoire. He has worked with concert choirs, church choirs, live theatre, and vocal students in Canada and beyond.
Greg is a sought-after guest conductor for many ensembles and is often called upon to lead master classes and workshops.
As Artistic Director of Sonus Voices (previously the Canadian Men’s Chorus), Greg champions the creation of new Canadian choral music. Founded in 2010, the CMC commissioned and premiered over 50 new Canadian choral works. They performed at the Podium National Choral Conference, Stratford Summer Music Festival, CentreSpace for the Arts in London, Ontario, and the Muskoka Concert Association, and premiered new works with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra. With the Canadian Men’s Chorus, Greg has been recorded as part of Aaron Jensen’s album titled From Sea to Sea.
Greg is a past Assistant Conductor of the Orpheus Choir of Toronto (Robert Cooper), during which he made his Roy Thomson Hall (Toronto) debut. As guest conductor for the Area All-State NYSSMA Conference in 2015, he had the privilege of directing the top 100 high-school voices in Western New York. In the summer of 2016, Greg conducted the Canadian Ambassador Choir during their Australia tour as part of the United Nations Choral Festival “Rhythms of One World”.
Greg is a graduate of the Crane School of Music and the University of Toronto, where he received his Masters in Conducting. He is a two-time recipient of the Elmer Iseler Fellowship in Conducting.
Gary Forbes
Collaborative Pianist
Along with his duties as accompanist to Sonus, Gary Forbes is the Director of Music at St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church (Leaside), and serves as accompanist to the instrumental programs at Brock University (St. Catharines). Gary also runs a private piano studio based in Oakville, and is an active freelance collaborative pianist throughout Southern Ontario and the GTA.
Previously engaged as Accompanist to the Mississauga Children’s Choir, Director of Music at Grantham United Church, and Director of Music for a variety of independent theatre companies throughout the Niagara Region, Gary has also worked closely with various choirs including the Niagara Men’s Chorus, Chorus Niagara (Adult & Children’s Choruses), Brock University Choruses, and Camerata Chorialis.
Paul Hawkins
Executive Director
With over three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector and a lifelong passion for music, Paul Hawkins brings a unique blend of visionary leadership and artistic dedication to his role as Executive Director of Sonus Voices.
Paul’s journey in music began with formal studies in vocal performance at the New England Conservatory of Music, and has since spanned numerous choral, orchestral, and community arts organizations across North America.
Paul’s musical career is distinguished by his performances as a baritone and tenor with esteemed ensembles such as the Stuttgart German American Chorus, the Heartland Chamber Chorale, the Canadian Men’s Chorus, Musikay, and Christ’s Church Cathedral.
His commitment to choral excellence is matched by his dedication to fostering vibrant and inclusive communities where music can inspire, heal, and bring people together.
Paul’s leadership roles as Chorus Manager for the Brott Music Festival, Section Lead at Central Presbyterian Chuch and as a Choral Scholar at Christ Church Cathedral have given him deep insight into the operational and artistic demands of successful vocal organizations.
In the nonprofit world, Paul has built a reputation as a connector and catalyst for organizational growth. He has served in pivotal roles, including Corporate Relations Director at the Brott Music Festival and Membership Manager at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, where he developed tailored strategies to help organizations maximize their impact.
His work consistently centers on empowering others, building sustainable partnerships, and advancing initiatives that enrich the cultural fabric of the communities he serves.
Paul’s leadership extends beyond the workplace. He has contributed his expertise to various boards and volunteer committees, including the Wentworth Condominium Corporation, Theatre Aquarius, and the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton.
Whether facilitating strategic planning, spearheading fundraising efforts, or guiding community engagement projects, Paul is known for his collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to positive change.
At Sonus Voices, Paul is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission of artistic excellence and community impact. He believes in the transformative power of music and is passionate about creating opportunities for singers, audiences, and supporters to come together in meaningful ways.
Under his leadership, Sonus Voices is poised to reach new heights—empowering voices, building connections, and inspiring success.