Lest We Forget: 2021
Lest We Forget was a moving concert in an acoustically fine setting. The AWS’s playing and direction are outstanding, and its repertoire adds to its interest.
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Lest We Forget: 2021
About 150 years ago Victor Hugo wrote
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent”,
This performance encapsulated this, especially the arrangement of “Abide With Me” with “The Last Post”. Truly moving.
By user: Kim
Lest We Forget: 2021
A wonderful event at St Andrew’s last night. The AWS performed beautifully and I especially loved “healing” and the Last Post combined with Abide With Me. Haunting and compassionate, thank you.
By user: Circuit Breaker
Celebrate!
Public name Shanw
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Celebrate!
Your Spirit Review
Attended the Concert at Queanbeyan last night and brought 3 friends for their first experience of attending a Wind Symphony concert.We all thought the concert was fabulous,such talented musicians,and fun.I cant believe that this orchestra doesn’t receive funding from the arts council.such a shame?Looking forward very much for your next performance. Thank You AWS
Shanw
Celebrate!
Public name Ali N
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Celebrate!
Your Spirit Review
Second time seeing this amazing group of very talented musicians. Loved every minute and went through many emotions! Thank you! Just fantastic! If you can get to their next performance do. It is certainly worth it! 
Celebrate!
Public name Edward
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Celebrate!
Your Spirit Review
Truly an immersive and sensory experience in the refurbished Bicentennial hall, a great performance by the talented performers of the Australian Wind Symphony
50 Years Swingin’
| Enter a screen name for this review: | A Symphony Convert |
| Which concert did you attend?: | 50 Years Swingin’ with Ed Wilson |
| How many CWS concerts have you attended?: | Three or more |
| Which was your favourite piece on this program?: | Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport |
| Why did you like that piece? : | I was absolutely blown away by the complexity of this arrangement, and equally blown away by the execution of it. All the musicians were exemplary in their performance of this piece – so many complex rhythms including the incredible 7/4 timing as well as the variety of styles, with amazingly smooth transitions from one to the other. And I am always in awe of master conductor Geoff Grey ability in leading the symphony. Thank you so much for this musical experience – certainly a first for me and my friends! |
| Were there any other pieces that came a close second?: | What a Wonderful World – this is one of my all time favourite songs and I just loved the arrangement and execution of it. Ed’s exemplary rendition of the melody was lovingly memorable. It was wonderful to hear the trombone maestro playing live for the first time and I will cherish this experience for many years to come. Thank you so much to everyone who was part of this performance! |
| What would you say to someone thinking about coming to CWS for the first time?: | I actually managed to convince two of my friends to attend this performance for the first time and I basically just told them that the CWS is amazing and that have to experience it at least once! I knew they would be blown away as I have been in the past by the incredibly high standard of musicianship of all members as well as the conducting by Geoff Grey. And they were! I think I’ve gotten two more converts. But it did take swing jazz to get them there in the first place so that was a very savvy idea. |
50 Years Swingin’
| Enter a screen name for this review: | Euphoric! |
| Which concert did you attend?: | 50 Years Swingin’ with Ed Wilson |
| How many CWS concerts have you attended?: | This was my first one |
| Which was your favourite piece on this program?: | So many – Sunny side of the street / Hello / the trombone choir piece! |
| Why did you like that piece? : | Sunny Side of the Street for me epitomises all the great aspects of big bands and Ed’s arrangements – energy, the quiet start, a joy in the combination of instruments and the build to the big, energetic finish. And to hear that all brought together by nearly 40 musicians all swinging their hearts out and having a great time is such a joyous experience. There should be more of it. |
| Were there any other pieces that came a close second?: | I must have missed something, as I thought it was just CWS doing Ed Wilson arrangements, so when the old guy himself came out, it was such a wonderful surprise. And the camaraderie between Ed and the band leader and the showmanship of the whole performance made the concert an incredibly engaging and entertaining event. |
| What would you say to someone thinking about coming to CWS for the first time?: | The CWS know how to swing it and know how to bring it! |
50 Years Swingin’
| Enter a screen name for this review: | Outstanding |
| Which concert did you attend?: | 50 Years Swingin’ with Ed Wilson |
| How many CWS concerts have you attended?: | A couple |
| Which was your favourite piece on this program?: | Hey Jude |
| Why did you like that piece? : | Memories of the Daly Wilson Big Band from 50 years ago plus the brilliant skills of the wind orchestra |
| Were there any other pieces that came a close second?: | Everything! |
| What would you say to someone thinking about coming to CWS for the first time?: | Prepare to be “blown” away by this talented group who make such wonderful music! |