Cappella Romana Singer and Board Member
Kendrick Perala Dies After House Fire


February 8, 2006. Portland, Ore. Longtime Cappella Romana singer and board member Kendrick Perala died about 2:00am this morning from injuries suffered in a house fire yesterday.

Perala was one of Portland's most visible ensemble singers in addition to his work as a piano and harpsichord tuner and computer consultant.

He sang bass in most of Cappella Romana's musical projects over the last decade. He can be heard on nearly all of Cappella Romana's recordings, ranging from Greek choral works and medieval Byzantine chant to Slavic choral works in English. He was also a stalwart touring member of the ensemble, having participated in its European debut in London, England, in March 2004. He was also the singers' representative on Cappella Romana's board of directors.

Perala's family reported to us this morning that he passed away peacefully. As his vital signs began to drop, one of his sisters read prayers over him and played one of Cappella Romana's recordings in his hospital room, a live recording of "Everlasting Light", a work performed in 2004 with the Tudor Choir that combines words of the Requiem Mass with the Greek Orthodox memorial service. Kendrick passed away hearing his friends sing with him.

According to the Oregonian, Perala was visiting a friend's house yesterday, when at about 3:00pm "a fire started in the kitchen where brandy was being made, according to the Multnomah County medical examiners office. Perala's body was engulfed in flames. Perala died at 1:53 a.m. today at Legacy Emanuel Burn Center, according to the medical examiner."

A memorial service will be held in the next several weeks; the family has requested that Cappella Romana sing in memory of their friend and colleague, Kendrick Perala.

May he rest in peace. Memory eternal.



Follow these links for more information about Kendrick Perala:
Oregonian link: http://tinyurl.com/by4qt
Photo of Kendrick Perala, taken on tour in London, 2004:
http://www.cappellaromana.org/DSC01929.JPG (Steve Eck)
Photo of Kendrick Perala singing with colleagues David Stutz, Kendrick Perala, and David Krueger
http://www.cappellaromana.org/CR_StutzPeralaKrueger.jpg (Carter LeBlanc).

For more information about Cappella Romana, see the group's website at the URL http://www.capellaromana.org, or email to info@capellaromana.org.

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