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Heroes and helpers theme of March 15 Mennonite Community Concert
2:00 PM at Jubilee Place, 173 Talbot Ave. Admission by donation.
In 1815, Ludwig von Beethoven composed his Eroica Symphony, to celebrate the general spirit of heroism in the world.
On March 15, 2:00 PM at Jubilee Place, 173 Talbot Ave., the Mennonite Community Orchestra (MCO) will celebrate a local hero when it performs the Eroica Symphony—Mennonite Disaster Service.
"Sometimes it seems the idea of a hero is only someone who gets lots of attention and accolades," says Bob Wiebe, (title with the MCO).
"While we celebrate people who do great deeds worthy of recognition, there are many unsung individuals who quietly go about the work of helping making the world a better place, whether anyone knows or not."
For Wiebe and the MCO, the 700 Canadians who volunteer each year with MDS to help people who lost their homes to natural disasters are those kinds of heroes.
"Year after year MDS volunteers go to places where people have suffered great losses, restoring their homes and their hope without any need for special thanks or recognition," he says.
At the March 15 concert, the MCO "wants to recognize these people, and MDS as an organization, for representing the best of what we can be as people who care about the plight of others, and who want to help make the world a better place."
For Ross Penner, director of Canadian operations for MDS, the concert is a fitting way to acknowledge the volunteers who are "the heart and soul of MDS."
"Without them, our mission would be impossible to carry out, he says. "They are the true heroes, giving time and energy and skills to help people who lost so much find hope again. The concert is a fitting way to honour their commitment to being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world."
In addition to the Eroica Symphony, other repertoire on the program includes Danzon No. 2 by Marquez. This orchestral gem captures the rhythmic drive of its Cuban and Mexican origins in a zestful romp to an exhilarating climax. In contrast, On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring by Delius is an introspective portrait suggesting the moment after a refreshing spring shower.
Andrea Bell will bring her dynamic leadership as conductor of the MCO. She will lead 50 dedicated and skilled players.
For more information, see facebook.com/mennonitecommunityorchestra.
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