A father's loss inspired the creation of the Warriors' Chapel in Forrest, commemorating those who have served the country in times of war.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Reverend John Walker conceived the chapel, built inside the Church of St Andrew, after his three sons died in France during World War I.
The building has become the venue of a concert that also pays tribute to all who have served in uniform.
Its architecture was an influence on Canberra Wind Symphony artistic director and chief conductor Geoff Grey in creating the event five years ago.
The symphony's performances in "Lest We Forget", held on Remembrance Day, extend the chapel's long tradition.
Veterans who have served recently read poetry between the musical works.
A stained glass window in the chapel shows service men and women given new life.
Mr Grey wanted to combine the settings with music and storytelling to reflect on uniformed service to the nation.
"It was a case of me thinking there was no event like that in Canberra. With the war memorial up the road it seemed like there should have been," he said.
The ensemble leader launched Canberra Wind Symphony in 2015 and has served for 39 years in the army. He was commander and director of the Royal Military College band.
His recent work using the arts to rehabilitate Australian Defence Force members suffering stress, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder has shown him the way music and creative writing can heal.
"The positive benefits are re-finding of purpose, the opening up of possibilities," he said.
"The clear air that creative engagement can give, particularly away from the workplace."
READ MORE:
Musicians playing on Monday have seen how their performances in commemoration of service men and women resonate with audiences.
Natasha Meston described it as like being a conduit between people who haven't been in the military themselves, and the experiences of those who have served and fought for their country.
Another performer, Marijke Welvaert, said the musicians walked a fine line throughout the pieces, having to avoid getting swept up by the emotion.
"It's hard to create that emotion without feeling that emotion as well," she said.
Some of the symphony's performers have served in the military themselves, while others have had family members who fought in the two world wars.
Mr Grey's grandfather went to the Western Front in World War I and survived to return home.
Symphony member Steve Lucas-Smith did national service in 1971-72, and has been involved in Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services since. He'll play a tuba solo on Monday night.
- The Canberra Wind Symphony will perform "Lest We Forget" at the Church of St Andrew in Forrest on Remembrance Day at 7.30pm.
- The national Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at the Australian War Memorial at 10.30am.