More than 240 audience members attended the amazing concert of the Hunter Wind Ensemble at St John’s Anglican Church in which the ensemble received two standing ovations.
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The program included some very emotive performances including “Silent Stands the Elm”, composed after an American terrorist incident, and “Kaddish” inspired by the struggle of the Jewish faith.
Hunter Wind Ensemble had returned following a very successful concert in October last year.
This young musicians combined with members of Manning Valley Concert Band who hosted the ensemble, to perform three very special works all with an African flavour.
Members of the Hunter Wind Ensemble stayed overnight with local families before travelling to Tuncurry where they conducted workshops with local primary and high school bands.
“It was an amazing day of musical co-operation and it produced some amazing music,” said workshop organiser Tanya Brown.
“Our Hunter Wind conductors are very keen to return next year and continue the work they are doing with local schools.
“We are very grateful to the support of our local music teachers in the Great Lakes who brought along their ensembles to workshop with HWE conductors and musicians.
“Everyone was inspired and there are already discussions about returning next year.”
Hunter Wind Ensemble combines the best musicians from state schools from the Central Coast region up to the Manning Valley.
The group visited Taree for the first time in their 15 year history in last October after three young musicians from the Manning had successfully auditioned to join the ensemble.
Under the musical direction of Mr. Scott Ryan (Sydney Con) this group regularly tours internationally including Japan, USA and Europe, performs at the Opera House and are Open B Grade Band Champions from the National Eisteddfod in Canberra.
And amazing achievement considering most of the ensemble age from 10 to 17 years of age, including six young musicians from the Manning Valley and Great Lakes.
Manning Valley Concert Band are now concentrating on their next project where they will perform at the Manning Entertainment Centre on Sunday October 7 at 2pm.
The bands performance will commemorate 100 Year Cenetary of ANZAC.
Special guests George Hoad, Amanda Lees, Jodi Cooper, Mick Standen and local choir “Kantabile” will perform with the band a number of popular selections from the WWI era, as well as music from composers Gustav Holst, Kenneth Alford and Maurice Jarre.
A new work by young musician Mitchell Brown written for the occasion will also be part of the program. Tickets are $20 and available from the Manning Entertainment Centre.
