The War of 1812 was a conflict fought in North America between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1814. Although the United States was officially at war with Great Britain, more than half of the British forces were made up of Canadian militia. Additionally, many Native Americans/First Nations fought in the war for reasons of their own.
The United States planned to take over Upper Canada (the basis of modern-day Ontario) and Lower Canada (the basis of modern-day Québec) in a single mass attack. There were wins and losses on both sides during the war with no clear victory for either of the warring parties.
The war still had its impact, however, by creating a greater sense of nationalism in Canada. Though the Treaty of Ghent, (signed on 24 December 1814), kept the status quo, the British colonies remained independent of the United States and their inhabitants would continue to forge what would become, some 50 years later, the new Canadian nation.
Atlantic Sinfonia’s upcoming concert will celebrate the music around the War of 1812, and the Canadian context prior to it using music from both sides of the Atlantic.
This project will re-create music from the period of the War of 1812 and incorporate music that would have been heard in Canada during that time. The music would be that of the officers and used for recreation, ceremony, and dancing. Music is being reconstructed from archival holdings and will include works such as ‘The Siege of Quebec’ (c. 1795), ‘The Death of General Wolfe’, ‘How Stands the Glass Around’ (written by General Wolfe) and the ‘Canadian Boat Song’ from the period. These works will be complimented with works from the American perspective including adaptations of ‘Trip to Canada Contre Dance’ and ‘Jackson’s Welcome Home’ (archived music from the Colonial Music Institute).
The performance will take place this Sunday January 20th, 3 pm at Memorial Hall, on the UNB Fredericton Campus. Tickets are $25 for Adults, Seniors $22, and Students $10. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Atlantic Sinfonia is a unique hybrid orchestra with an audience-friendly approach to classical chamber music and brings together some of the best professional musicians from the region. It is the only fully professional group in the province, and the only small orchestra format, thus the name Sinfonia.
Though based in New Brunswick it has a regional scope. Under the artistic direction of Richard Hornsby and led by New Brunswick’s David Adams, as concertmaster, the group performs in 18th century style, standing and performing without conductor and often in non-traditional performance settings with fine acoustics.
Recent Accomplishments:
-Atlantic Sinfonia presented a special concert of music for Congress 2011 of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The event attracted approximately 6000 delegates.
-Atlantic Sinfonia headlined the official opening of The Richard J. CURRIE CENTER (2011). The wellness facility combines UNB recreation with cutting-edge research for both local residents and the university community.
-Atlantic Sinfonia played at the ECMA’s in Moncton in April of 2012.
-Atlantic Sinfonia recently presented at Contact East 2012 which was held in Fredericton from September 19th-23rd. Contact East is a performer’s showcase bringing the very best of Atlantic Canadian talent, in theatre, music, and dance, to gather and showcase their work for regional, national and international buyers in attendance. Contact East 2012 marks the event’s 21st edition.
