An accomplished trumpet player from France and board member of the International Trumpet Guild will present “Wind Orchestras in France Since the Revolution” from 1:30-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at the Center for Creativity in Fort Collins.
André Bonnici, who has been a trumpet teacher at France’s Conservatoire à Rayonnement Départemental de Montluçon since September 2000, received the Ann Gill Visiting Lecturer and Artist Award from CSU’s College of Liberal Arts in March 2024. He was nominated by CSU Associate Professor Stanley Curtis in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance.
André Bonnici
Bonnici will explore the history of wind orchestras in the French Republic as well as share musical pieces. The program is hosted by the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures.
“The structuring of music education for the greatest number of people in France began with the Revolution,” Bonnici said. “After laying the foundations for a conservatory in Paris – notably to provide musicians for military bands – various French governments sought to democratize music learning. Developments in instrument manufacturing techniques and the growing need to supply an increasing number of musicians led to orchestral formations in the countryside, villages and towns. For the enjoyment of all and also to liven up official ceremonies, wind orchestras were born!”
Bonnici is a founding member of the ensemble Les Trompettes de Lyon and president and head of jury for the soloist category at the International Trumpet Guild competition. He earned his music degrees in France, including his master’s degree in musicology from Lumière Lyon II University.
About the award
The Ann Gill Visiting Lecturer and Artist Award that he won from CSU encourages exciting and inventive professionals and artists to share their knowledge and talents with the university community.
Tickets to the presentation are $15 per person for museum members and $20 for non-members. As the program is expected to sell out, reservations are required at globalvillagemuseum.org. The Center for Creativity is located at 200 Mathews St. in Fort Collins.
The Global Village Museum is located at 200 West Mountain Ave., and museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information and closure dates during the change of exhibits, visit globalvillagemuseum.org or call 970-221-4600.