Hazel Paul

It is probable that Hazel Paul studied at the Halifax Conservatory of Music during the 1930s when the Conservatory was still in its original home in the mansion on Barrington Street that Sir Richard John Uniacke had built in 1821 for his new bride. Many years later, Hazel was to remember those early lessons when she created a piano prize for a student at the Conservatory in memory of Susie Gabriel, with whom we assume she studied.

A graduate of the Conservatory in the earliest years of the 20th century, Miss Gabriel joined the faculty soon after she finished her own studies; she was to remain a valued member of the Piano Department until at least the late 1940s, a much-loved teacher among whose many students was Dr. James Burchill. The prize in memory of Miss Gabriel was given through what is now Bravura Nova Scotia. The award is still presented annually.

Hazel Paul maintained her interest in and affection for the Conservatory throughout her very long life.  At the beginning of the 21st century, Director Ifan Williams was seeking support for the renovation of the former Chebucto Road School which  had recently become the home of the Maritime Conservatory of Music.  Since 1939, when it had left its original South End home, the Conservatory had existed in a succession of unsatisfactory rented properties. 

Now, after 60 years, with the Conservatory once again in possession of its own building, Mr. Williams was intent on making it a worthy home for what was now called the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts.    Hazel supported the project generously, and a room is named after her.  In 2004, when she was 94, Hazel Paul was among a group of philanthropically inclined supporters of the Conservatory who were made Honourees for their contributions to the restoration of its historic home.