Yet my father’s violin was likely his favourite lifelong companion, and he played it for over 80 years. For much of that time, he was an active performer with community orchestras, as well as with his church, wife of 60 years, friends, and family. Making music as a family became a critical part of any visit. We’d play together at his care facility, and even during the last year or so, when my father could no longer play, he would sometimes still ask for his violin. The music resounded in his mind, though his body could no longer perform the sensitive physicality the violin demands.

When my father moved to Winnipeg at the age of 90, we attended MCO concerts with one another. I would purchase season tickets and for about a decade, he was my date. We would sit together on the north balcony, second row from the front rail. Sometimes, even in the winter, we would walk back to his residence after the performance, discussing aspects of the concert. He was 103 at the last MCO concert we attended.

Years of musical appreciation were nurtured in good measure by the inspiring performances we shared at the MCO. My relationship with my father was informed by our mutual interest in music. While we shared other interests too, music was the best teacher. Through it we truly learned to listen to each other. I am grateful to my father for the gift of musical appreciation, and to the MCO for nurturing that gift.

–Roger Groening