It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Michael Purves-Smith, our music director emeritus and principal oboist. Michael was the soul of the Wellington Wind Symphony, and we are devastated by his loss. As Susan Follows so aptly puts it, “Michael was a connoisseur of life.”
Tag Archives: Michael Purves-Smith
A Tribute to Michael Purves-Smith
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Christmas Traditions
The Grand Philharmonic Youth Choir
Amanda Brunk, Director
Michael Purves-Smith, Conductor
It’s that time of year again! Join us for our ever-popular Christmas concert. This year, our guests, The Grand Philharmonic Youth Choir directed by Amanda Brunk, will perform various seasonal favourites
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Wind Symphony Whimsy

Stephen Fox, Alto Clarinet
Stephen Fox, Alto Clarinet
Daniel Warren, Conductor
Containing some of the most memorable music for the medium, all in this program was written originally for wind symphony: Howard Cable’s Scottish Rhapsody, Holst’s Second Suite for Military Band, Alfred Reed’s Othello, Symphonic Portrait for Concert Band,
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Wind Symphony Whimsy

Stephen Fox, Alto Clarinet
Stephen Fox, Alto Clarinet
Daniel Warren, Conductor
Containing some of the most memorable music for the medium, all in this program was written originally for wind symphony: Howard Cable’s Scottish Rhapsody, Holst’s Second Suite for Military Band, Alfred Reed’s Othello, Symphonic Portrait for Concert Band,
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Seven Deadly Sins
The Wellington Wind Symphony (WWS) has a unique offering for its next concert, Wind Symphony Whimsy. A new concerto by acclaimed Canadian composer and Elmira resident Michael Purves-Smith, entitled The Seven
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Why Transcribe Strauss Four Last Songs?
Composer, arranger, WWS oboist and music director emeritus Michael Purves-Smith provides unique insight into his thinking as he transcribed Strauss’ Four Last Songs, to be featured on our concerts on October 23 and 30, 2016.
Why Transcribe Strauss’ Four Last Songs?
by Michael Purves-Smith
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February Concerts feature High Flight
Guest post by Michael Purves-Smith
High Flight, by Joseph Turrin (1947 – )
http://www.curnowmusicpress.com/josephturrin.htm
This challenging work was written in 2008 for the United States Air force Band,
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