Wildsight Invermere’s Fire & Ice program kicks off on June 25 at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere, with Requiem for a Glacier.

This special sound performance and video installation by Victoria composer Paul Walde represents a haunting lament for the world’s melting glaciers. Its musical themes draw attention to our local Purcell Mountains and the decades-long struggle to keep the Jumbo Valley free from development.

The opening reception takes place on June 25 at 7 p.m. with Walde in attendance. Following the artist’s remarks, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the large-screen installation.

Filmed on location on Farnham Glacier in 2013, Requiem for a Glacier features the plein air performance by a volunteer orchestra and chorus, primarily from the East

and West Kootenay.

Its powerful oratorio, sung by soloist Veronika Hajdu, features a Latin translation of the B.C. government’s press release announcing the approval of Jumbo Glacier Resort Municipality.

The third and fourth movements reveal the impacts of climate change by converting temperature readings in the area from 1969 to 2010 into musical notation.

As the viewer takes in the majesty of the mountains, you are reminded of the need to protect natural spaces for animals, forests and ecological diversity.

“I wanted to draw attention to the fact that these are endangered wild spaces… Declaring it dead in some ways, prematurely, would galvanize people to do something about it,” Walde, explained.

This event is in collaboration with Columbia Valley Arts. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

The installation plays in a loop of 40 minutes and is open during the following hours: June 26, 3-8 p.m.; June 27, 3-6 p.m.; June 28, CLOSED; June 29, 3-8 p.m.; June 30, 3-8 p.m.

Fire & Ice is a community program that explores the impact of climate change on our glaciers, water sources, forests, wildlife, and our way of life by highlighting two of the most visible and visceral consequences of climate change — wildfires and melting glaciers. The program’s immersive events and activities demonstrate the importance of taking action to protect the wild spaces and species of our region. These events include educational nature walks, a hike to Farnham Glacier, book club discussions, presentations and a book signing by Ed Struzik for his new book “Dark Days at Noon- The Past and Future History of Fire.”

Thank you to our funders and partners – The Resilience Institute, Columbia Valley Community Foundation, Columbia Basin Trust, Kootenay Savings, Invermere Liquor Store, Invermere Public Library and CV Arts.

Check out the full list of events of the Fire & Ice Program & many others online at https://wildsight.ca/branches/invermere/.

Wildsight

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