A Summer Jewel in Airdrie
New Windwood Festival in Airdrie bound to become a summer jewel
A SUMMER JEWEL IN AIRDRIE
May I extend a very hearty congratulations to the new kid on the block: the lovely and talented Windwood Festival, an incredible force of nature with world class musicians making music right in our own backyard (and parks and library and living rooms) this August. I'm from Cochrane and I'm madly jealous of this new treasure of Airdrie's and am already scheming how we too can support this amazing new venture with maybe a satellite concert in our town next summer!
The Festival had its trial run last year but 2023 was considered its inaugural. The energy and audacity of two young accomplished classical musicians created this gem along with the necessary supporters, enthusiastic volunteers and curious audiences. Tong Wang, pianist and former resident of her beloved Airdrie (the Festival's namesake is the street she lived on and where her folks live) and Maitreyi Muralidharan of Montreal, violinist and Tong's treasured friend and music partner, are the Festival's founders. Together they also make up a travelling pair called Duo Perdendosi and perform worldwide. Combined with a cadre of visiting professional musicians from North America also with stellar credentials, they have put Airdrie on the map of musical miracles.
This is exactly what Alberta needs more of: young enthusiastic artists encouraged to impose their own interpretation of beauty. These idealistic friendly musicians invited everyone into their magical world of "ordinary extraordinary" to discover "a new musical ecosystem." Their refreshing vision of community, as well as passion for bringing exceptional music into the heart of their city and into the heartland of their province accessing more rural areas in an approachable and engaging way, needs to be cultivated and supported. And it's off to a great start.
Mayor Peter Brown and town councillor Heather Spearman, arts advocate and Chair of Airdrie's Arts and Culture Assessment Committee, are to be commended as well as others who offered unique performance spaces. The contribution of all-important volunteers including Tong's parents who billeted visiting artists, was key. A significant amount of collaboration, time and work goes on behind the scenes to make something this special come to life. It truly does take a 'village' to raise a music festival like this here on the prairie!
The City of Airdrie wisely recognizes the tremendous value and importance of arts and culture for their citizens, neighbours in surrounding communities as well as the appeal to visitors. Everyone was warmly welcomed to experience the thrill of exceptional music-making in a joyous, accessible and completely unpretentious celebration of music offered with open and happy hearts to the whole city and beyond. Kudos to all who are nurturing this little seedling of a quirky, original and characterful music festival that deserves to be helped thrive and enliven the souls of all who listen. Windwood Festival is destined to become a cherished summer jewel drawing music lovers both near and far. Bravo Airdrie!
-Lison McCullough, Cochrane, AB
