Music Society Readies for European Excursion
The Westwinds Music Society, a community of passionate adult musicians from diverse professions, is set to embark on a two-week tour across Germany and Austria this July. The tour promises a unique fusion of Canadian music and classical works, performed at historically significant locations in five cities renowned for their rich musical heritage.
The tour commences on July 13th, with the opening concert in Bottendorf, Germany, hosted by Thomas Mandel and the Bottendorf Posaunencor (Trombone Choir). This event marks a reunion with the group, whom the Westwinds Music Society originally met in 2002.
Following Bottendorf, the tour will take the performers to Eisenach, Germany, where they will perform in the church where Johann Sebastian Bach was baptized. This performance underscores the tour's deep connection with classical music heritage.
Munich and Salzburg, cities with vibrant classical music scenes and historic concert halls, are the next stops on the itinerary. The tour concludes in Vienna, Austria, another pivotal centre for classical music.
Sean Emery, a 27-year-old clarinet player and choir member in the Westwinds Music Society, expressed his excitement for the upcoming tour. "It's an incredible opportunity to perform in the land of classical music legends," he said. This will be Sean's first tour with the society, having joined after graduating high school.
Kevin Willms, the director of the Westwinds Music Society, was Sean's high school band director. The society, which serves as a platform for adults to keep their musical skills active and their brains stimulated, welcomes members from various professions, including doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, and more.
In addition to providing an opportunity for high school graduates to continue playing and singing after graduation, the Westwinds Music Society has selected Canadian music to perform for European audiences. The society also aims to foster connections with European counterparts, emphasising not just performance but musical growth.
The tour kick-off concert will take place on July 5th at Calgary Opera, and approximately 70 musicians and singers from the Westwinds Music Society in Calgary are preparing for this cultural and musical exchange mission. As the tour progresses, they will perform in churches and concert venues with historical significance tied to classical composers, further enriching the tour's connection with European classical music traditions.
- Sean Emery, a member of the Westwinds Music Society, looks forward to performing in the land of classical music legends during the tour.
- The Westwinds Music Society will perform Canadian music for European audiences, as part of their objective to foster connections with European counterparts.
- During the tour, the performers of the Westwinds Music Society will play in churches and concert halls in Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna, cities known for their vibrant classical music scenes and historic concert venues.
