‘James Ehnes Way’ celebrates lifelong BU connection for renowned violinist

Brandon University’s School of Music has a new street address: James Ehnes Way.

The honorary street name was unveiled last week during a special two-day visit from the world-renowned violinist.

Just prior to a sold-out-and-then-some concert at BU’s Lorne Watson Recital Hall, the Brandon-born Ehnes and his family were treated to the spectacle of new street signs being revealed along the 200- and 300-block of 20^th Street.

“This truly is the best place to grow up. I’ve always said that. I’ve been grateful to have the opportunity to say that all over the world,” Ehnes said in remarks at the unveiling. “You have a community that is close-knit, that is supportive, where people look after one another, where it’s small enough to be noticed. It also is a city, as I mentioned, that makes it clear to you that you can be anything and you can go anywhere.”

James Ehnes Way recognizes the outstanding talent, skill, and contributions of Ehnes, who received early education through the BU School of Music, where his father was the trumpet professor, before going on to the famed Juilliard School in New York.

“James’ father Alan Ehnes was a beloved colleague to many of us still teaching in the School of Music today, and the myriad connections between James and our community remain strong,” said Acting Dean of Music Leanne Zacharias. “Despite his international fame, James credits his roots in Brandon and its strong arts community as a significant part of his development. His return provided us a great opportunity to celebrate the spirit within our musical community.”

Ehnes, in 2005, received an honorary doctorate from BU and has also been inducted into the Order of Canada. He has won two Grammys, three Gramophone Awards and twelve Juno Awards, the most of any classical musician in history.

The honorary street renaming is only the third in Brandon, and was arranged to coincide with Ehnes concert visit, part of his 50^th birthday tour across all of Canada, with stops in every province and territory.

Along with the recital, Ehnes also generously contributed time for a violin and string quartet masterclass the following day with students of Brandon University’s School of Music and Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory.

“Our string students will never forget this experience learning from and playing for James,” Zacharias said. “Hearing him discuss and demonstrate violin technique, musical phrasing and interpretive decision-making, and tell stories about his teachers and his development as a performer, all on the very stage that he grew up playing on, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of them.

“The class was educational and inspiring for the participants, faculty and community observers alike.”

Ehnes said returning to the WMCA and the School of Music was like a homecoming.

“I’ve had the luckiest journey, and this very block has played such a huge role in that,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have played around the world, but I’m not unique. This School of Music has been responsible for a great number of extraordinary musical careers in all facets of the industry. And the faculty, past and present, are truly a beacon of excellence.

“Always have been, and with luck, always will be. Really thank you to all of you, and thank you to the City of Brandon for being the most remarkable, wonderful place to live.”

Despite the new honorary street name, mail delivery to the BU School of Music won’t change. The postal address for all of Brandon University remains 270–18^th Street.

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