Only twice before, has an international festival been organized by the worldwide Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) to convene brass musicians to play and learn in Christian fellowship and share brass music with others for the glory of God (S. Africa, 2007; Germany, 2013).
The 3rd Moravian Unity Brass Festival will attract hundreds of brass instrumentalists to Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. Hundreds more will attend and enjoy the free performances of mostly new arrangements for brass and favorites from the various brass traditions. We hope you will join us.
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The public is invited to hear Moravian musicians from around the world;
an experience you will never forget!
The Salem Band (Winston-Salem, NC) with the Salem Moravian Band of South Africa
Friday, July 20 at 7:00pm Salem Square; (if rain, Home Church fellowship hall)
Herrliche Blasmusik (Glorious Brass Concert) Saturday, July 21 at 7:30pm
Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University
Unity Massed Brass Service of Music Sunday, July 22, 2018 at 4:00pm
Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University
Admission is free for all concerts.
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Its main purpose being fellowship, the Festival is an event that, through music, connects the Worldwide Unity (Unitas Fratrum) in musical collaboration, builds friendships and community, and celebrates oneness in Christ. It is full of fun, fellowship, and music.
The Festival is for everyone, serving musicians of all ages and all levels, from beginner to director (Moravians and non-Moravians), providing opportunities to play, learn, and share brass music.
Advance registration is required to participate in the massed brass ensemble; forms will be posted on the website, and online registration instructions will be available there.
Please also follow us on Facebook = “Moravian Unity Brass Festival” for the latest developments.
MISSION STATEMENT
The 3rd Moravian Unity Brass Festival convenes brass musicians to play and learn
in Christian fellowship and share brass music with others for the Glory of God.
The 3rd Moravian Unity Brass Festival is a unique opportunity to experience the historical Wachovia settlement in North Carolina, USA and celebrate the worldwide Moravian brass tradition.
A MORAVIAN SETTLEMENT DATING TO 1753
Winston-Salem began as a Moravian settlement in 1753 and includes the beautiful and historic villages of Salem, Bethabara, Bethania
The format will be a long weekend, arriving Thursday, with optional Wednesday activities, tours, and events, specially designed for out of town visitors. Another option is to stay for Monday, although many tour destinations are closed on Monday.
VISION
The 3rd Moravian Unity Brass Festival will strengthen interpersonal bonds within the Worldwide Moravian Unity; will draw the participants closer in Christian community;
will affirm the work and gifts of players, leaders and organizers;
will nurture the musical growth of individuals of all levels, and the musical development of ensembles; will improve and increase the repertoire for worshipful brass music and prove its continuing relevance throughout the Worldwide Moravian Church.
HISTORY
The first Unity Brass Festival was held in 2007 in South Africa and coincided with the 550th anniversary (1457-2007) of the Unity. 
The 2nd Moravian Unity Brass Festival was held May 17-21 in the Moravian community of Bad Boll, Germany, in May 2013. Three groups from BBSA, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Mamre Brass Band participated in this festival and toured Germany in May 2013. This year’s festival, known as “Bläsertag 2013 (Brass Day)” was the second Unity-wide gathering of brass players. About 350 brass players attended the long weekend (Friday-Tuesday) festival, representing five countries: Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, South Africa and the United States.
Read more about the 2013 Bad Boll Unity Brass Festival here: