Farewell to a Church Choir Master

He's 83 years old and uses a wheelchair because of a long affliction with polio. But Greg Colson hasn't lost any of the musical vibrancy that's marked a long career that will soon come to a close at the . 

Colson, the choir master and organist at the East Cobb church, will conduct his final concert at 3 p.m. Sunday. 

This will be the second retirement for Colson, who came to St. Peter and St. Paul six years ago on what was to be a temporary assignment.

In all, he's been associated with several Atlanta churches and universities, including Emory and Georgia Tech, in a 43-year career.  “We’ve had such good success that it’s time for them to have a more full-time person, because I’ve been completed part time," he said of his time at St. Peter and St. Paul.

His lengthy musical career also has included being an accompanist for Elton John and Paul McCartney, and many European tours with the late Robert Shaw, the legendary Atlanta Symphony Orchesta choral master. 

Sunday's concert will include a four-movement cantata Colson commissioned, as well as other choral works. The event is free and open to the public. 

St. Peter and St. Paul is located at 1795 Johnson Ferry Road.