{"id":544486,"date":"2026-03-18T12:38:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T12:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/544486\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T12:38:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T12:38:08","slug":"winnipeg-classical-guitar-society-celebrates-50-years-of-strings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/544486\/","title":{"rendered":"Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society celebrates 50 years of strings"},"content":{"rendered":"

This Saturday, March 21st, at Grace Bible Church,<\/a> the Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society (WCGS)<\/a> will celebrate a major milestone: 50 years of fostering classical guitar performance<\/a>, education, and community in Winnipeg<\/a>. 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\u2019s rich history and its vibrant future.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A passion that brings people together\u00a0<\/p>\n

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: \u201cThe reason I become involved, it’s the same reason as the other presidents and the other people is I am passionate about classical guitar.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Having moved to Winnipeg in 2020, Chen quickly discovered the society and was struck by what she found: \u201cI was just\u00a0amazed at this city, and we have an organization doing this as well.\u201d That sense of discovery soon turned into action, as both she and her husband became involved with the organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n

John Himes, director of programming, shares a similar story of connection. A transplant from the United States, he explains, \u201cI was made aware by my teacher\u2026 and soon after attending some concerts, maybe one or two years later, I was asked to be involved.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The intimacy of the classical guitar\u00a0<\/p>\n

Part of what makes the classical guitar so compelling, and central to\u00a0the society\u2019s\u00a0longevity, is its uniquely intimate nature. Chen offers a vivid and poetic explanation: \u201cI think guitar\u00a0is one of the instruments that is closest to one’s heart, especially when\u00a0you’re\u00a0the player.\u00a0You’re\u00a0holding the guitar in front of your body, and then the wood is directly touching your chest.\u00a0So\u00a0it is\u00a0literally a\u00a0string of heart.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

She continues, \u201cWhen\u00a0you’re\u00a0touching the string,\u00a0you’re\u00a0giving it whatever\u00a0you’re\u00a0feeling about this piece. And then I think 100% of it will transfer to the audience as well.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Himes echoes this sentiment from a different angle, emphasizing the instrument\u2019s expressive range: \u201cIt is a small instrument. It\u00a0doesn’t\u00a0have a loud volume, but the possibilities are endless.\u201d Together, their insights highlight why the classical guitar has\u00a0remained\u00a0such a powerful and enduring medium for both performers and audiences.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Celebrating history while looking ahead\u00a0<\/p>\n

Reaching a 50-year milestone is no small feat, particularly for a volunteer-run arts organization. Reflecting on this achievement, Himes notes, \u201cIt’s\u00a0an incredible milestone. And\u00a0it’s\u00a0cool to be part of that history\u2026 50 years seems like\u00a0it’s\u00a0sort of maybe\u00a0a conclusion of something, but the beginning of something new.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

That sense of continuity, honouring\u00a0the past while embracing the future is central to the\u00a0anniversary\u00a0event. 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 \u201cwhat was happening in guitar at that time.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

For Chen, engaging with\u00a0the society\u2019s\u00a0archives has been particularly meaningful. \u201cI was just looking through in this binder, it’s like, ‘Wow, this\u00a0is a history,’\u201d she says. \u201cIt’s like when I’m holding that binder in my hand, it’s like I’m holding the history.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A night of music, community, and craftsmanship\u00a0<\/p>\n

The anniversary celebration is designed as more than just a concert, it is a full-scale event that brings together multiple\u00a0facets\u00a0of the classical guitar world. The evening begins with a guitar fair at 7 p.m., followed by the concert at 8 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

One of the highlights will be a guitar orchestra featuring local players. Led by Andrew Erickson<\/a>, the ensemble promises to deliver a rich and layered sound. \u201cWe’re going to have at least three or four\u00a0to a part,” Himes explains, “so\u00a0it’ll\u00a0be lots of sound from guitars.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The repertoire will include a mix of arrangements and original works, ranging from a Vivaldi\u00a0lute\u00a0concerto 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\u00a0the society\u2019s\u00a0programming.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In addition to the performances, attendees will have the chance to explore displays from local luthiers, craftspeople who build classical guitars. Highlighting Winnipeg\u2019s reputation as a hub for high-quality instrument making, Himes notes that some builders have created instruments for internationally renowned artists, adding, \u201cIf they leave Winnipeg with a guitar, I think that’s a really strong statement about the quality of things here.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u00a0the society\u2019s\u00a0past. For those looking to take something home, there will also be sheet music available, as well as small souvenirs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Join the celebration on March 21st and be part of a milestone that\u00a0honours\u00a0the past while setting the stage for the next 50 years.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

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