The Syrinx Flute Festival presents the Albert Horch Award for the most outstanding performance in classes 101 - 103.
Albert Horch (1917-2011)*
ALBERT HORCH Albert Jacob Horch passed away peacefully March 18, 2011 at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home at 93 years of age. Albert was born in Winnipeg, July 31, 1917 to Eduard and Katherine (nee Eszlinger) Horch. He spent his early years in Winnipeg's North End with his parents and siblings. As a teenager he developed an interest in music. In 1932 his brother Ben bought him his first flute, a wooden one, which he learned to play without any formal training. In his youth he participated in school and community orchestras. In 1942 he enlisted in the R.C.A.F. band, and in September of that year he married his fiancé Zelma Pauls. They began their life together in Toronto where Albert was stationed until the end of the war. Albert then served in the R.C.A.F. in Edmonton until 1948. After being discharged he was asked to join the newly formed Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He stayed with the orchestra for 30 years then retired in 1978 to pursue full-time teaching. He also conducted many school bands. He taught
flute for many years at the International Peace Gardens summer music camp and enjoyed that very much. In his teaching career he had over 1300 individual students, several of whom have gone on to become prominent musicians. Many of his former students continued to keep in touch with him over the years. During his long musical career Albert also played on many CBC radio and television broadcasts. He was also in many of the orchestras for Rainbow Stage, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and participated on several commercially issued recordings. Along with his musical endeavors, he also had a successful ten year career selling real estate for Oldfield, Kirby, and Gardener. Albert was predeceased by his parents, his wife Zelma (nee Pauls), his brothers Edward (Helen), Benjamin (Esther), Emmanuel (Agatha), Reuben, and his sister Emilie Spiekert (Alex). Also by brother-in-law Frank Pauls (Corrie) and sisters-in-law Jessie and Helen Pauls. He is survived by his children Judith Siemens (Albert), Paul Horch, and Kathryn Wadsworth (John). He will also be missed by his seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Frieda Pauls, Bertha Horch, and numerous nieces and nephews.
*From http://www.passagesmb.com/obituary_details.cfm?ObitID=176324
Albert Horch Award Winners
| Year | Winner | 2011 | Signy Baragar |
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