Ann Bancroft, My Hero

Marlene’s Musings
November 1, 2017

Years ago when I was conducting family concerts for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, I had the idea to ask Arctic Explorer, Ann Bancroft, to narrate Wolf Tracks by Beintus, a piece similar to Peter and the Wolf except in this one, the wolf protected.  I had a 50/50 chance Ann would say yes so I gathered my confidence and made the call.  Without any hesitation she said, “Sure.”

Her response was the same when I contacted her last Spring to be our special guest for our November 19th concert.

Currently, her international team of eight women is exploring major rivers of the world through the program, ACCESS WATER that seeks to create awareness of our collective need to protect and preserve our water.

She is my hero not only because of her physical strength and mental fortitude but also because she is a believer in her own dreams and, through her commitment to education, encourages others to follow theirs.

Our concert will feature music inspired by water.  Large screens will project images as Ann narrates their significance.

We know her inspiration will impact those in the audience as well as 55 string students who will join the orchestra to perform Water Night by Eric Whitacre.