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Winnipeg, Man.
Baerg retires from CMU to focus on performing


Well-known Winnipeg musician and instructor Irmgard Baerg announced earlier this spring that she would concentrate on performing and step down from her faculty position as associate professor of music with Canadian Mennonite University.

“I wanted to slow down the pace a bit and gain more focus in this area,” Baerg said following a June 21 celebration on her 35-year teaching career at Mennonite Brethren Bible College/Concord College and Canadian Mennonite University. “I had to choose one or the other and I felt I needed to be free to perform at this time.”

The tribute evening at CMU celebrated Baerg’s career, which she began as a music instructor at MBBC in 1967. Over 200 people joined Baerg as friends, family and former students took turns roasting and praising the guest of honour. Among the highlights were faculty memories, a piano–string quartet and a light-hearted opera performance entitled Irmgard is Fabulous by former students Leanne Regehr and Xin Wang–Buller.


Baerg said she was grateful for the tributes delivered that night. She showed her gratitude by giving flowers to individuals who symbolized larger groups of people who had a positive influence on her career.

“These kinds of things are always a two-way street,” she said. “If one can work properly it’s because there are a lot of people around to support and encourage. That’s why I thought it was only fitting to do that. It’s never a one-person show.”

 – CMU release

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Last modified October 10, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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