The short answer is Pierre Anthian. A dental technician by vocation, a classically trained musician by calling, Anthian is also a Mormon who practises the tenets of his faith. His volunteer efforts have taken him from hospitals and seniors' homes in southern France, where he grew up, to hostels for the destitute in Paris, where he lived as a young man. In 1995 Anthian immigrated to Canada to join his brother and sister in Montreal. For a year the young immigrant was content simply to serve meals at the shelter.
Music is good for the soul.
I hoped a choir might provide these men with a way to earn a little money and to gain self-confidence and dignity. Anthian put out a call for choir members among Montreal's street community. The posters and leaflets stated that musical experience and talent weren't necessary. All that was required was that potential members show up on time and sober. At the appointed hour of the first rehearsal, three men appeared.