Peter M. Kolar

Peter is Senior Editor of Hispanic Music and Publications for WLP, having joined the editorial staff of WLP in 1996. He currently oversees the Hispanic Music and Publications department, and is responsible for the Hispanic liturgy resources, music, recordings, and events produced by WLP. He is the founding editor of the nation's premier bilingual missal, Celebremos/Let Us Celebrate, and editor of the Cantos del Pueblo de Dios Hispanic hymnal.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Peter's father is Polish-American and his mother is from El Salvador, Central America. Music and culture were an important part of his upbringing, as evidenced by his role in his family's polka band. Peter began piano instruction at age 7 and was playing regularly for Catholic Masses by age 10.

Various songs and arrangements by Peter are published by and available through WLP, notably the acclaimed bilingual Mass setting, "Misa Luna", the bilingual intercessions, “Oración de los Fieles”, and the best-selling bilingual setting of Psalm 103, "El Señor Es Compasivo". In 2004, Peter was commissioned to write the theme song for the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. The result of that effort was the hit pop anthem, "Healing Balm", which combines latin and contemporary rhythms with rap in a compelling song for mission and sending. You can hear "Healing Balm" with artist Danielle Rose performing lead vocals on the CD "God Is My Rock".

Along with his editorial duties at WLP, for 14 years Peter was the Music Director at Holy Cross/Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Chicago, Illinois, where he directed the renowned Holy Cross Marimba Ensemble. Marimba performances under his direction included multiple appearances at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress and NPM Conventions. The Marimba Ensemble released two recordings during his tenure with the group, "Marimbas Fantásticas-Volume I" and "Marimbas Fantásticas-Volume II", both available from WLP.

Peter has written instrumental works for solo piano, and is a skilled writer of piano arrangements in classical, pop, and Hispanic styles. His piano artistry can be heard on various WLP recordings, and at various events, conferences, and showcases nationwide. Peter is also a dedicated clinician and speaker on areas of Hispanic Ministry. Other interests of his include electronic music and architecture.

Peter is a graduate of St. Lawrence Seminary in Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin; his undergraduate and graduate degrees are in Music Composition from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He resides with his wife and daughter in El Paso, Texas, where he serves as an instructor for the Tepeyac Institute and the director of the El Paso Diocesan Choir.