The Pittsburgh-based American Wind Symphony has travelled around the world for 50 years, playing for audiences aboard a barge that doubles as a concert stage.
The goal of the orchestra, and it’s director Robert Boudreau is to bring live classical music to communities where it isn’t easily available.
Boudreau has been in discussion with Kincardine Mayor Larry Kraemer about bringing the orchestra to the town for five days this summer.
If it happens, Kincardine would be one of four Canadian ports of call the American Wind Symphony plans to make this year.
The main issue surrounding the idea is money. It will cost around 30 thousand dollars.
Station Beach would be the venue for at least one of the floating concerts. Another smaller event could be held elsewhere in the community.
Support from councillors on the idea of giving the event pre-budget approval was mixed.
Councillor Marsha Leggett says money is tight and doesn’t think the municipality should budget anything for it.
Councillor Gordon Campbell says the only way he’d support it was if the municipality could pay up front with a certified cheque.
Councillors Ron Hewitt and Kenneth Craig said more information is needed before a decision can be made.
Hewitt says bringing the American Wind Symphony to Kincardine is a great idea, but wants to see if other community organizations and corporate partners can be found to help cover the costs.
He believes those partners can be found and council will have the opportunity next week to decide if what he calls “one-time shot” go ahead.
Mayor Kraemer defends the idea of staging the series of concerts during a time of financial pressure.
He says it’s often important to encourage good times in the community when things are tough.
Kraemer says the American Wind Symphony provides a unique cultural experience and has an educational and community involvement component.
He says he understands council’s questions about the idea, calling it a big decision to put on councillors and agrees with their idea to involve community partners.
The mayor believes once prospective partners learn about the proposal, they’ll support the idea.
Kraemer says the American Wind Symphony’s visit to Kincardine could tie in with the 2009 Summer Music Festival.
Council will decide at its next meeting if it should support bringing the floating orchestra to Kincardine.
