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.

Tunes Featured in Canadian Pipers and Pipe Tunes on the Western Front:

Opening / Early War

● The Ladies from Hell

Second Battle of Ypres

● The Bloody Fields of Flanders

● Essex Farm

● Major David Manson

Battle of the Somme / Beaumont-Hamel

● The Taking of Beaumont Hamel

● The Muckin’ o’ Geordie’s Byre

● The Hawthorn Crater

Piper James Cleland Richardson / Somme Actions

● The Battle of the Somme

● Devil in the Kitchen

● Reel of Tulloch

Vimy Ridge

● Remembering Vimy

Battle of Amiens

● Blue Bonnets Over the Border

● Donald Dhu

● The March of the Cameron Men

Closing / Remembrance

● Flowers of the Forest