Peter Janson (b. Aalst-Waalre, Noord Brabant, the Netherlands, 1957) composed ST. JOHN'S QUADRA in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, in 1982 as a setting for "Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens Adore Him" (148). The tune was the winner in a hymn-writing contest held by the Royal Canadian College of Organists in 1983. First published in the 1987 Psalter Hymnal, the tune is named for St. John's Anglican Church on Quadra Street, Victoria, British Columbia, where it was first performed.
A well-crafted, modern tune, ST. JOHN'S QUADRA is built with variations of one melodic and rhythmic motive, which gives a majestic and joyful sense to the text. Sing in unison throughout. If there are confident harmony singers in your group, sing the outer stanzas in unison and the inner ones in harmony.
Janson came to Canada as a child and received his musical education at the University of Victoria. He has served as organist and choirmaster at the Church of St. Aidan in Victoria, British Columbia, since 1985. Mainly a composer of church music, he has also written some articles on music history.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook