Music from Les Misérables (Arr. Michael Sweeney)

Men of Winds (Hong Kong)
Conductor: Yip Yuk Chuen
Y-theatre, Youth Square
24 November 2022
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Music from Les Misérables (Arr. Michael Sweeney)
Set in early 19th-century France, Les Misérables is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his desire for redemption. He was released in 1815 after serving nineteen years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child. Valjean decides to break his parole and start his life anew after a bishop inspires him with a tremendous act of mercy. Still, a ruthless police officer named Javert refuses to let him escape justice and pursues him for most of the play. Along the way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists attempts to overthrow the government at a street barricade in Paris. The story reaches a resolution against the background of the June Rebellion of 1832.
This arrangement by Michael Sweeney features four key songs from the musical, including the "Work Song", "I Dreamed a Dream", "Master of the House", and "Do You Hear the People Sing?".
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Introduction
Men of Winds (MOW) is a non-profit, senior community wind band explicitly established for men aged 50 and above. The band was formed in the Spring of 2019 to provide a musical experience for men with seniority of 50 years and above. The band also helps these men explore and develop their musical talents by providing music education for those who had never played music and continuing music education for amateurs or already have existing music knowledge.
MOW also aims to increase public awareness of ageism and change the perception of the public (both young and old) that learning is a lifelong process and age is not a barrier. Apart from changing public discourse in the aging population, we also hope to inspire the older adults that they are still capable of pursuing dreams, especially artistic dreams that had long been put down when they were young due to life circumstances. At a higher level, we hope that this project would be a catalyst for promoting elderly arts.
MOW currently has two sub-bands (advanced and intermediate levels) that presently constituted about 40 members, with on-going expansion. With the establishment of bands playing musical works of different levels, members can enjoy the musical experience despite varying music skills.
Men of Winds had been actively participating in music and arts events i.e., Along the Edge Festival, Buffet Crampon Clarinet Competition Hong Kong 2019 and won the Bronze Award, Malaysia International Virtual Band Championships Malaysia 2021 and won the Silver Award. Currently, the band is also part of the Art and Social Change Network of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

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