Honorary naming of James Ehnes Way made official at private ceremony

Internationally renowned violinist James Ehnes said it’s “humbling” and “overwhelming” that the city unveiled James Ehnes Way on Thursday.

“I love the community here. I’ll always love the city of Brandon, and it’s really deeply meaningful to feel so loved back,” Ehnes said.

City officials revealed a sign marking the honorary road in Ehnes’s name at an afternoon ceremony outside the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.

About 50 people crowded near the corner of 20th Street and Princess Avenue as dignitaries highlighted Ehnes’ accomplishments and impact as a musician.

The private ceremony took place a few hours before Ehnes performed at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at Brandon University.

“It’s always special to come back and play for the people that supported me from the very early stage,” Ehnes told the crowd.

“So really, thank you to all of you, and thank you to the to the city of Brandon for being the most remarkable, wonderful place to live.”

Ehnes made the stop in his hometown as part of his 50th Birthday Tour.

The violinist has won two Grammys and 12 Juno awards and is a member of the Order of Canada and Order of Manitoba.

He said Brandon is a special place for him and is a centre for Canadian classical music.

“Playing here is always going to be important to me. You won’t find a better audience anywhere in the world,” Ehnes told the Sun after the ceremony.

Ehnes said it’s “a great honour” to act as an ambassador of Brandon around the world, and to represent Canada as well.

Even after touring worldwide, he still hasn’t found better musicians than the people who raised him here, he said.

“I received a world-class education in a small centre that was nurturing and friendly and wonderful. So, I feel very lucky.”

He called past and present faculty of Brandon University’s School of Music a “beacon of excellence.”

BU’s dean of music said Ehnes as an artist is “superlative” and “remarkable.”

“James has attained the highest level of performance in one of the most demanding fields of human endeavour and expression, and has managed to maintain this highest standard of excellence for a truly sustained period of time,” Greg Gatien said during the ceremony.

Gatien said the signs on two blocks of 20th Street just outside Brandon University will inspire and remind people that Brandon can be extraordinary and full of potential.

“This sign is a wonderful way of keeping you, your family and your example at the forefront of our imaginations,” he said to Ehnes.

The WMCA’s general manager said Ehnes is “without question, one of the finest musicians of his generation.”

“By naming this street in James’s honour, we’re celebrating what he’s achieved, but we’re also sending a message about who we are as a city and a community,” Kaitlyn Mitchell said.

The WMCA plays a big part in creating musical talent, she said, adding that Ehnes comes from a city that believes in the arts and creating opportunity for people.

“We value creativity, we support excellence, and we’re extremely proud of the people who carry Brandon with them onto the world stage,” Mitchell said.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett described Thursday as “an awesome day for Brandon.”

Ehnes’ fame comes from his years of hard work and the city is proud to be his hometown, Fawcett said.

The Canadian leg of Ehnes’ tour includes stops in every province and territory.

He said as someone from Brandon, he knows how “extraordinary” smaller centres are.

Aside from his birthday tour, Ehnes also has performances in six countries in Europe, along with Australia and New Zealand, scheduled this year, his website says.

James Ehnes Way will be in place for five years, after which the applicant — Fawcett — can reapply.

» alambert@brandonsun.com