About

Manitou Winds was founded in May 2014 and has become a versatile chamber ensemble of passionate musicians. Seldom performing solely as a wind quintet, we enjoy breaking off into many different configurations aided by the multi-instrumentalists within our ensemble.

Chamber music is often described as a conversation between musicians. Performing without a conductor, each instrument contributes its own unique twist and perspective to the central theme while the musicians work together in shifting roles to keep the piece aloft and in motion. We are excited about this conversation and are eager to share it with audiences.

Often exploring uncharted genres and shedding spotlight on new or obscure composers, we also invent repertoire through our own arrangements and compositions. Audiences are always assured of hearing unique music not to be found elsewhere.

Through partnerships with collaborating artists, we’re able to explore the larger musical spectrum and art in other media, discovering universal aspects of the creative process while highlighting the works of local musicians, composers, and visual artists.

By combining visual arts, poetry, history, and even the culinary arts (via our own Woodwind Gourmet) into a single concert program, our ensemble seeks to bring the engaging, evocative nature of chamber music to broader audiences in Northern Michigan.

What is the typical Manitou Winds concert experience? Every concert is different, but each has a central theme with a variety of music selected to expand and explore it; inspiring creativity and further learning. To guide us along, there may also be works by guest musicians and vocalists, poets, essayists, visual artists—all gathered to create a unique, memorable, meaningful concert experience.