Cosmopolitan Music Society salutes the troops

Wars have unfortunately been fought since the beginning of mankind. Throughout history, many songs have been written about war and the heroes who lay down their lives.

On Sunday, the Cosmopolitan Music Society stages Lest We Forget: A Musical Tribute at the Winspear Centre, a poignant program of duty, love and loss.

Music director Garry Silverman divides the concert into three areas: a salute to the 10th anniversary of 9/11, a tribute to the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Kapyong signalling Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry’s valour, and a recognition of Canadian troops returning from Afghanistan.

CMS is known for its largesse, so it’s no surprise that Silverman has programmed the evening with about 200 bodies featuring two concert bands and a chorus performing everything from ceremonial marches to popular wartime music.

Special guest conductor Captain Eric Gagnon of the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, along with guest tenor Robert Clark and MC J’Lyn Nye, join forces with the Vimy Ridge Academy Pipe Band, the Canadian Forces Cenotaph Party, and the Canadian Legion Colour Party.

“This is in recognition of what the troops have done for our country. Since Canada began, there has been conflict and we have somehow taken part. Without the military our country would not exist as it is and it is important to recognize that,” says Silverman.

Seven St. Albert musical ambassadors agree and they are putting their hearts into the evening. They are sax players Rhea Shank and Barth Bradley, clarinettist Richard Buckley and trombonist Hugh Campbell. Ellie Zapf performs as both a clarinettist and chorus member while Maria Jenkins sings in the chorus. Trumpet player Jean Runyon has a solo during Reveille.

The 9/11 segment highlights the 80-member chorus singing Battle Hymn of the Republic and the Monday Band performs An American Elegy by composer Frank Ticheli.

“What’s neat is that there’s going to be a trumpet solo from the balcony. It’s a very stirring piece. It’s solemn in nature, but it changes key and becomes more buoyant and happy,” Silverman says.

He is also astounded at the bravery of the PPCLI at Kapyong and in a way feels honoured to salute their bravery.

“They represented a turning point in the war, and because of their valour, the PPCLI were the only ones to receive a presidential citation for their valour.”

Gagnon will conduct Sonja Poorman’s eloquent piece of wind music, Variations on a Korean Folk Song.

And in a special salute to the 158 soldiers who perished in Afghanistan, Robert Clark sings Bring Him Home, the poignant heartbreaker from Les Miserables.

“It’s been a long 10 years. It’s time to come home.”