Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Edmonton Wind Ensemble is a classical music ensemble based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The ensemble was founded in 1990 by a group of local musicians who shared a passion for wind music and wanted to create a high-quality ensemble that would showcase the talents of Edmonton's wind players. The founding members of the Edmonton Wind Ensemble included conductor Harry Pinchin, who served as the ensemble's music director for over 20 years, and a group of talented wind players from the Edmonton area. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming, and it soon became one of the most respected wind ensembles in Canada. Over the years, the Edmonton Wind Ensemble has featured a rotating cast of talented musicians, including some of the finest wind players in the country. The ensemble's current members include a mix of professional musicians, music educators, and advanced students, all of whom share a deep love of wind music and a commitment to excellence. One of the highlights of the Edmonton Wind Ensemble's history was its performance at the 1994 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) conference in Hamamatsu, Japan. The ensemble was one of only a handful of Canadian ensembles invited to perform at the prestigious conference, and its performance was widely praised for its technical precision and musicality. In addition to its international performances, the Edmonton Wind Ensemble has also been recognized for its contributions to the local music scene. The ensemble has performed at numerous festivals and events throughout the Edmonton area, including the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Under the Sky, and the Alberta Band Association's annual conference. The Edmonton Wind Ensemble has also been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2002, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts in Alberta. The ensemble has also been recognized by the Canadian Band Association and the Alberta Band Association for its exceptional performances and contributions to the wind music community. One of the hallmarks of the Edmonton Wind Ensemble's programming is its commitment to showcasing new and innovative works for wind ensemble. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered numerous works by Canadian composers, including Allan Gilliland, Howard Cable, and Malcolm Forsyth. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of guest artists and conductors, including renowned Canadian conductor Bramwell Tovey. In addition to its commitment to new music, the Edmonton Wind Ensemble also performs a wide range of classical and contemporary works for wind ensemble. The ensemble's repertoire includes everything from traditional marches and overtures to modern works by composers such as John Adams, Michael Daugherty, and Frank Ticheli. Overall, the Edmonton Wind Ensemble is a testament to the power of community-based music making. Through its commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration, the ensemble has become one of the most respected wind ensembles in Canada, and a beloved fixture of the Edmonton music scene.

More....