Orchestra, Military Families Salute Troops At Community Concert March 21st.
Monday, March 15, 2010
LONDON –Orchestra London and the London Military Family Resource Centre (LMFRC) invite Londoners to a special musical salute to local troops and their families March 21 at Centennial Hall. Featuring wartime songs, fanfares, & big band numbers, the concert not only showcases Orchestra London, but also the talents of the
The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Band, the London Police Pipes and Drums, soprano Amber Cunningham, violinist Sigmar Martin, and trumpeter Shawn Spicer. The program is open to the public and is free, with goodwill donations collected in support of the LMFRC & Orchestra London.
Who: Orchestra London, soprano Amber Cunningham, violinist Sigmar Martin, trumpeter Shawn Spicer, The London Police Pipes and Drums and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Band
When: Sunday, March 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Centennial Hall, 550 Wellington St., London
Cost: Freewill donations at the door (no advance reservation required)
For more information: Orchestra London Box Office (519) 679-8778 or visit orchestralondon.ca
Platinum Sponsor: General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada
Orchestra London Season Sponsors: Pacific & Western Bank of Canada, London Life, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, City of London
About the London Military Family Resource Centre The London Military Family Resource Centre’s (LMFRC) mission is to enhance the quality of life of military families across Southwestern Ontario. The Centre provides a range of programs that foster the health and general well-being of families, aligned with our vision of capable and connected military families: strength behind the uniform. This year we will support the families of close to 200 troops who are deployed, mainly to Afghanistan.
About Orchestra LondonOrchestra London has been making music in the London Community since 1937. Officially incorporated in 1957, Orchestra London performs over 50 concerts each season across six different series. Education & Outreach programs have introduced the orchestra to more than 30,000 schoolchildren since 2000 and the community at-large. Orchestra London’s current conductor and Music Director, Timothy Vernon, has been with the ensemble since 2000.
Military parents Dianne and Bob Boudreau plan to attend the concert. The couple is regularly involved with the LFMRC, both to participate in programs and events and as volunteers. Three of their four sons are members of the Canadian Forces, and each has been deployed multiple times to various parts of the world including Afghanistan. “As military parents we have a great deal of pride in our sons, although these deployments can be stressful for the parents” says Dianne. “I am happy to see that Orchestra London and the London Military Family Resource Centre are presenting a concert for the troops, their families and the public. I hope the hall will be filled to capacity with folks who enjoy great music while showing their support.” The LMFRC opened in 1997 to serve military families across Southwestern Ontario. “We see military families as being the strength behind the uniform,” says Executive Director Gary Willaert. “Our job is to support the families so that our Canadian Forces personnel can focus on their work.” Joe Swan, Orchestra London’s Executive Director, says the orchestra pursued the partnership with the LMFRC at the recommendation of General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, the Platinum Sponsor of this event. GDLS-Canada spokesperson Ken Yamashita explains, "General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada has long had a strong relationship with soldiers and their families,” he says. “We believe this concert represents not only our commitment to soldiers and their families, but also to ensuring London and area better understands the valuable work LMFRC performs each day."
CONCERT DETAILS
What:
Support Our Troops & Their Families: A concert in support of the London Military Family Resource Centre & Orchestra London.
From fanfares to wartime songs, to big band numbers from back in the day, selections will include O Canada, Music from Hearts Made Great (Unknown Soldier, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child), Amazing Grace, Scotland the Brave, Ashokan Farewell, Will ye no come back again, and much more.
