This Saturday, March 21st, at Grace Bible Church, the Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society (WCGS) will celebrate a major milestone: 50 years of fostering classical guitar performance, education, and community in Winnipeg. The anniversary will be marked with a special guitar fair and concert, bringing together performers, instrument makers, and audiences for an evening that reflects both the society’s rich history and its vibrant future.
A passion that brings people together
For those involved with the WCGS, the journey often begins with a deep personal connection to the instrument. April Chen, chair of operations, describes her path in simple but heartfelt terms: “The reason I become involved, it’s the same reason as the other presidents and the other people is I am passionate about classical guitar.”
Having moved to Winnipeg in 2020, Chen quickly discovered the society and was struck by what she found: “I was just amazed at this city, and we have an organization doing this as well.” That sense of discovery soon turned into action, as both she and her husband became involved with the organization.
John Himes, director of programming, shares a similar story of connection. A transplant from the United States, he explains, “I was made aware by my teacher… and soon after attending some concerts, maybe one or two years later, I was asked to be involved.”
The intimacy of the classical guitar
Part of what makes the classical guitar so compelling, and central to the society’s longevity, is its uniquely intimate nature. Chen offers a vivid and poetic explanation: “I think guitar is one of the instruments that is closest to one’s heart, especially when you’re the player. You’re holding the guitar in front of your body, and then the wood is directly touching your chest. So it is literally a string of heart.”
She continues, “When you’re touching the string, you’re giving it whatever you’re feeling about this piece. And then I think 100% of it will transfer to the audience as well.”
Himes echoes this sentiment from a different angle, emphasizing the instrument’s expressive range: “It is a small instrument. It doesn’t have a loud volume, but the possibilities are endless.” Together, their insights highlight why the classical guitar has remained such a powerful and enduring medium for both performers and audiences.
Celebrating history while looking ahead
Reaching a 50-year milestone is no small feat, particularly for a volunteer-run arts organization. Reflecting on this achievement, Himes notes, “It’s an incredible milestone. And it’s cool to be part of that history… 50 years seems like it’s sort of maybe a conclusion of something, but the beginning of something new.”
That sense of continuity, honouring the past while embracing the future is central to the anniversary event. A key feature of the concert will be the participation of past presidents, who will share stories from their time leading the organization. As Himes explains, these reflections will explore not only their leadership experiences, but also “what was happening in guitar at that time.”
For Chen, engaging with the society’s archives has been particularly meaningful. “I was just looking through in this binder, it’s like, ‘Wow, this is a history,’” she says. “It’s like when I’m holding that binder in my hand, it’s like I’m holding the history.”
These historical elements will be brought to life through both storytelling and performance. Past presidents will not only speak but also perform, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of classical guitar interpretation across decades.
A night of music, community, and craftsmanship
The anniversary celebration is designed as more than just a concert, it is a full-scale event that brings together multiple facets of the classical guitar world. The evening begins with a guitar fair at 7 p.m., followed by the concert at 8 p.m.
One of the highlights will be a guitar orchestra featuring local players. Led by Andrew Erickson, the ensemble promises to deliver a rich and layered sound. “We’re going to have at least three or four to a part,” Himes explains, “so it’ll be lots of sound from guitars.”
The repertoire will include a mix of arrangements and original works, ranging from a Vivaldi lute concerto movement to Renaissance choral music and a contemporary piece inspired by Philip Glass. This diversity reflects both the versatility of the instrument and the breadth of the society’s programming.
In addition to the performances, attendees will have the chance to explore displays from local luthiers, craftspeople who build classical guitars. Highlighting Winnipeg’s reputation as a hub for high-quality instrument making, Himes notes that some builders have created instruments for internationally renowned artists, adding, “If they leave Winnipeg with a guitar, I think that’s a really strong statement about the quality of things here.”
The fair will also feature historical memorabilia, including archival materials contributed by past presidents. While these items are not for sale, they offer a tangible connection to the society’s past. For those looking to take something home, there will also be sheet music available, as well as small souvenirs.