“Hello” from Maitreyi

Written By Maitreyi Muralidharan

August 21, 2022: “What if we didn’t wait another year? What if we started tackling our ideas and dreams from little seeds now?”

This was from Tong after we had realized that we had been dreaming the same dreams of creating a space. The space that turned out to be Windwood. We were going to wait till 2023. But I saw that message and I didn’t hesitate.

Minutes later August 21, 2022: “I trust you endlessly, if you think the time is ripe, then I’ll jump too.”

I believe in many things, but near the peak of my mountain of beliefs is my belief in us. If we believe in something, we will move mountains, create paths, we will find a way. And my god did we believe in it, in Windwood. Airdrie wasn’t on my map of the world at that time, the prospect of starting something in Canada was daunting to me. After all, I know how to start things in the states, but doing stuff like this in Canada is… quite different. Lots to learn. I’m still learning. But Tong has been the best partner in creating. We’re very much the same in a lot of ways, but we can balance each other out too. So we jumped.

We didn’t really share this with anyone. Can you imagine? “Hey, we’re starting a festival! It’s in October! Of this year!” There were so many times where we felt insane. There’s no way this was going to work. If I wrote about every single person, every single late night, every single moment of blind faith it took to make this last week a reality, I would spend the rest of my life writing. I plan on doing that. But not right now.

Right now I’m just remembering the warmth, kindness, courage, and vulnerability that was Windwood Music Festival. I’m remembering the names and faces of those I met for the first time and those that I knew before but got the privilege to meet closer. I can hardly believe it. If I didn’t take a thousand pictures, you wouldn’t be able to convince me that this week happened.

Tong, this part of this post is specifically for you. Obviously I could just message you, but I want everyone to see behind the curtain this time. We did it. We did it. And we did it our way. Believing in humanity, in love, in kindness. It’s ok to cry, I’m crying too. I can’t believe the good fortune that was us sharing a bunk in Brevard 10 short years ago. And I’ll say thank you every day.

Airdrie, we’ll see you sooner than you know. Thanks for our homecoming, for bringing Tong back home and for welcoming me, a stranger, with open arms.

Hello is such a beautiful word.

Maitreyi Muralidharan

Critically recognized as “an accomplished violin soloist,” (CVNC) Maitreyi Muralidharan is an east coast based musician and an avid orchestral and chamber performer. They hold a Bachelor's Degree from the Peabody Institute of Music under the tutelage of Herbert Greenberg, a Master’s Degree and Professional Arts Certificate from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under the tutelage of Kevin Lawrence, and an Artist Diploma from McGill University under the tutelage of Violaine Melancon. Maitreyi was raised in North Carolina where they fostered a love for sharing music in group settings, whether in ensembles or as a teacher. They have also served as concertmaster of the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, Peabody Chamber Orchestra, UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, and was a member of the UNCSA Chrysalis Chamber Music Institute for two years. They have attended summer music festivals in Colorado, New York, Canada, North Carolina, Vermont, and Germany, and have performed as a chamber musician on international stages. As a musician who has dealt with severe injury, Maitreyi has had to find their own paths in the field of classical and contemporary music, and in that process, has grown a deep appreciation and love for connecting with the unconventional. They aim to share this idea of connection with all walks of life—the idea that being a musician is far more than what is understood or seen, and that one of the greatest joys is fostering a sense of community that can happen any time music is made. Outside of being an orchestral and chamber musician, Maitreyi enjoys working with and advising new music ensembles, assisting violinists with injuries to find creative and sustainable playing practices, and farming.

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