On Saturday, June 2, Salvationists and friends gathered at Toronto's Scarborough Citadel for the Canadian Staff Band's 43rd Anniversary Festival. This year's guest was internationally acclaimed trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann, whose exhilarating playing and entertaining comments delighted the audience throughout the program.

In his opening comments, Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander, commended the band for its 43 years of ministry in the Canada and Bermuda Territory and around the world, before offering a prayer asking for God's blessing on the evening. The program then unfolded with a variety of items suitable for every taste—everything from a traditional march to more modern and contemporary works. The guest soloist shone in items such as Malaguena, Down by the Riverside and Shenandoah Fantasy, as well as the more contemplative ballad Starlight. A particular highlight was a cornet duet, Synergy, with Staff Bandsman Steve Brown.

Throughout the night the CSB offered several new pieces, including Martin Cordner's Fusion, Paul Lovatt-Cooper's Fire in the Blood and an arrangement of Shine On Us by Staff Bandsman Jonathan Rowsell. A focal point in the second half was an emotionally moving presentation of Eric Ball's classic tone poem Resurgam, followed immediately by Jens Lindemann's soulful playing of Amazing Grace. All in all, it was a wonderful evening of music and a great way to kick off the Canadian Staff Band's 44th year of ministry.