Over the next week, nine Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) ensembles will reach over 8,000 students through educational performances at 40 different schools and care centres. The WSO ensembles include four string ensembles, two brass quintets, two woodwind quintets, and one Francophone string quartet.

Through the Nursery Notes program, WSO ensembles will reach tots aged 3-5 to connect them with music and instruments through interactive activities. The Bach to School program features a musical performance and presentation that is both educational and engaging and is geared to students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. During these presentations, the musicians often invite the students to play the instruments, conduct the ensemble group, or clap along to a familiar theme.

Ensembles will also visit three healthcare institutions as part of the Musicians in Healthcare program, which offers musical presentations at various healthcare centres across Winnipeg. Using live music, this program seeks to promote the health and healing of hospital patients, visitors and staff.

WSO cellist Arlene Dahl explains, “Plato once said that music ‘is a more potent instrument than any other for education.’ Our interaction with students in elementary schools helps broaden their understanding and appreciation of the world around them. We expose them to the incomparable beauty of great music and try to inspire the powers of children’s imagination.”

For more information, please visit wso.ca/schools

WINNIPEG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA