Bio - Peter McCutcheon

Peter was born in Dublin, Ireland and spent his youth immersed in classical music. His mother was a pianist and both parents were members of Dublin’s R&R Musical Society, which performed operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan and roadway musicals. The extended family included aunts and uncles who sang in a choral society performing oratorios and symphonies. 

Peter emigrated to Canada in 1960. He was a co-founder of a rock group known as The Rondelles in which he played lead guitar. The group was active in the greater Toronto and Kawartha regions from 1960 to 1963 when it disbanded. 

Peter studied architecture at the University of Toronto and practiced in Burlington until 1980 when he moved to Texas to develop commercial real estate. While in Houston, he was an active subscriber and supporter of the Houston Symphony and the Wortham Opera Theater. 

In 1996 he returned to Canada and now lives in Victoria, B.C. Since 2011, he has returned to his first love, music; this time as composer and lyricist. Since then, Peter has composed dozens of songs, some of which will be released this fall on an album entitled Nostalgia, featuring the young Canadian soprano, Lauren Milner, and consisting of songs reminiscent of his youth in Ireland. He recently composed a setting of William Butler Yeats’ poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree, for four-part mixed choir and the work will be premiered at a performance in Waterloo, Ontario in 2015. 

Peter’s focus is on the film industry and the composition of scores for movies and documentaries. He is currently working on the scores for two productions for Julijette Inc. in Manitoba. 

Peter wrote: “At 70, I must be one of the oldest participants, but my love of music transcends generations and I am a great supporter of young talent across Canada, whatever the genre. To put it in perspective, I was playing guitar in a rock group in Toronto before Gordon Lightfoot arrived on the scene!” 

You can learn more about Peter by visiting: 

The Record.com - A rock 'n' roll reunion and The beat goes on

Click HERE to listen to Peter's Jingle

Serious Coffee’s Note: Peter's jingle once again shows us that age isn't of importance when one is expressing an inner passion. We are proud to have someone of Peter's caliber be a part of our contest. Thank you for coming out to the wrap-up party Peter!