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 pm Saturday, March 8, at the Center for Creativity.
André Bonnici, a trumpet teacher at France’s Conservatoire à Rayonnement Départemental de Montluçon since September 2000, 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.
In March 2024, Bonnici received the Ann Gill Visiting Lecturer and Artist Award from the College of Liberal Arts at Colorado State University. The award 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 Street in Fort Collins.
The Global Village Museum is located at 200 West Mountain Avenue, and Museum hours are 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday. For more information and closure dates during the change of exhibits, visit globalvillagemuseum.org or call 970-221-4600.