Canadian Pipers and Pipe Tunes: Under the Spire

Canadian Pipers and Pipe Tunes on the Western Front is a lecture–recital that combines historical storytelling with live highland bagpipe performance to explore the role of pipers and Highland regiments in the Canadian war effort during the First World War. The presentation examines how piping traditions accompanied Canadian soldiers into battle and how music later became a powerful medium for remembering their sacrifice. Through a blend of historical interpretation and performance of traditional and modern commemorative pipe tunes, the program provides audiences with a unique perspective on Canada’s military and cultural history.
Siblings Ryan and Sarah Simpson offer a unique lecture experience. As Ryan guides the audience through the experiences of Canadian bagpipers during the First World War, Sarah enhances the atmosphere with live renditions of tunes related to action these soldiers would have seen on the Western Front, weaving the history and music of the War into a single package.
Ryan is an amateur historian with a focused interest in the experiences of Canadians during the First World War, while Sarah is an accomplished competitive bagpiper. They are very excited to be bringing it to the historic St. Mary’s Church as part of the Under the Spire festival. Proceeds from the event go to benefit the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, the Canadian War Museum, and Historic St. Mary’s Restoration efforts.