This summer, Airdrie transforms into a hub of creativity and connection as the Windwood Music Festival rolls into town. From July 28 to August 12, international artists will gather for a two-week residency, creating innovative music performance projects that celebrate sustainability, community, and the arts. 

This is the brainchild of two artists who met as young adults and wanted to bring classical music to a broader audience. Tong Wang and Maitreyi Muralidharan, are the co-founders of the Windwood Music Festival. They met in high school and reconnected years later and that's when this festival became a reality. For Tong, this project is also about giving back to the community:

"I've always had this dream to give back to my community, especially my hometown. Airdrie, where I've lived with my family for about ten years, is a place I love dearly. It's a growing young community with a strong desire for more live performing arts. That's why we were really excited to start a project like the Windwood Music Festival right here in Airdrie."

At the heart of the festival is a unique residency program where musicians explore what it takes to bring creative projects to life. This year, the focus is on sustainability and community, with artists drawing inspiration from Airdrie's stunning natural landscapes and the bounty of local farms. Imagine a meal crafted from local produce inspiring a musical performance—this is just one way the festival intertwines music with the essence of Airdrie. A large part of the Windwood Music Festival is the events put together by resident artists. These events take place around Airdrie and are done in collaboration with local businesses. 

The Windwood Music Festival is not just a summer event; it involves year-round community engagement. Tong explained,

"Throughout the year, we work with different community partners, engage with schools, and organize smaller activities. Our goal is to keep the spirit of music alive in Airdrie all year long."

Maitreyi added that this is its third event and there's a good reason it's an event of the highest calibre, 

"This will be our third year of having the Windwood Music Festival in Airdrie. One of the biggest parts of our festival is the resident artists we invite. These musicians, who are professionals from around the world, perform and engage with various aspects of the Airdrie community."

One of the most exciting aspects of the Windwood Music Festival is the variety of venues. Performances will pop up in parks, cafes, museums, and even farms, turning everyday spaces into stages for musical magic. By bringing live music to diverse spaces and demographics that might not typically experience it, the festival aims to weave a stronger sense of community.

This year's festival promises to be an extraordinary event with a unique theme. Steampunk. The festival features a full day of concerts at Chinook Winds Park on August 10th and opens on August 9th with a concert at Birch Church Theater. Maitreyi added:

"These are going to be some of the finest music performances, offering intensely moving and emotional human experiences. We want to create an atmosphere that combines the elegance of classical music with the edgy, imaginative spirit of steampunk."

Both artists agreed they are most excited for the opening night, featuring a larger scale performance of the Kapustin Concerto for violin and piano with a small string ensemble. 

"This year, we invited the Red Deer conductor, to join us. The opening concert will feature a mix of classical and contemporary pieces, including works by Radiohead and Duke Ellington. It's going to be a wild ride!" Explained Tong.

Festival Highlights

  • Saturday, August 3: Brella Vida “Staying Alive”
  • Sunday, August 4: St. George in the Pines, Banff
  • Tuesday, August 6 - Thursday, August 8: Resident Artist Projects
  • Friday, August 9: Opening Concert at Bert Church Theatre
  • Saturday, August 10: Performances at Chinook Winds Park
  • Sunday, August 11: Evening Salon "Like Clockwork" at St. George in the Pines, Banff

Tickets for the festival are now on sale, with prices designed to be accessible to all. Adults can enjoy a full evening of music for $35, while seniors and students pay just $20. Children under 12 and Indigenous community members can attend for free.

Make sure to check out the Windwood Music Festival and be part of a celebration that bridges gaps between communities and music. Let’s connect, create, and celebrate together in Airdrie this summer!

 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM

DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts, click here.