Experience the history of the First World War through the stories and music of the Canadian pipers who served on the Western Front.

Siblings Sarah and Ryan Simpson bring history and live music together in this unique lecture and recital. Ryan will guide the audience through the experiences of Canadian soldiers and pipers from the outbreak of war in 1914 through some of Canada’s most significant battles, including Ypres, the Somme, Vimy Ridge and Amiens. Sarah, an accomplished competitive piper, will perform pipe tunes connected to the people, battles and events being explored, some played during the war itself and others composed in remembrance of those who served.

Together, the stories and music explore the remarkable role pipers played in Canada’s war effort, while reflecting on how their music continues to carry the memory of those who served more than a century later.