Celebrating 100 Years of Symphony

The Crowsnest Community Orchestra is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year: 100 years of making music together.Founded in 1926, the orchestra has been a constant thread woven through the cultural life of the Crowsnest Pass, surviving wars, economic hardship, and changing times, yet always returning to the same purpose, bringing people together through music.

Over the decades, the orchestra has grown alongside the community itself. What makes it truly special is the way it has been passed from one generation to the next. Parents have played beside their children, and grandparents have shared musicstands with grandchildren. Playing in the orchestra has truly been a family affair. Many local families can trace their own history through the orchestra, creating a living archive of memories, friendships, and shared performances. Some of these generational families include — the Schulzes, the Lonsburys, the Fabros, the Mosers, the Metzlers, and the Ancelets.

In the early 2000s, there were three generations of the Burgman family represented in the orchestra — Dr. Bob Burgman playing the double bass, Bob’s son Dick playing the bassoon, and Dick’s daughter Jenna playing in the percussion section. In 1992, three generations of the Amundsen family played simultaneously, and were featured on the CBC TV special “On the Road Again”. Dr. Roy Amundsen played the double bass, his wife Cathy playing the violin, their son Dr. Peter on trumpet, granddaughter Susan on violin, and grandson Craig playing in percussion. Later, Dr. Peter’s son David joined on trumpet.

The Crowsnest Community Orchestra has never been just about polished concerts, it has always been about gettingtogether and sharing love of music. It has welcomed beginners and seasoned musicians alike, giving them the title ofamateur teaching orchestra.

Join the orchestra as they launch their centennial festivities on January 30th at 7:00 pm at the Coleman museum, for a night of appetizers, string chamber music, and a walk down memory lane. The grand concert will take place later this year, in June.

Article and photos submittedy by Crowsnest Community Orchestra and Crowsnest Museum

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