As we begin the countdown to our 100 year anniversary in 2030, we’re reflecting on the concerts, artists, and moments that helped make your SSO everything it is today.
As we know, the TCU Place has been home to many Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra performances. Today, we look back at the early days of what is now the TCU Place, and how it came to be.
On April 1, 1968, TCU Place (formerly known as Centennial Auditorium) opened its doors – and your SSO was the first guest to take to the stage!
The project was a vision of former Mayor J.D. McAskill in the 1950s. In 1961, Mayor Sidney Buckwold and the city council officially designated it as Saskatoon’s major centennial project. The building was designed by the firm Kerr, Cullingworth, Riches Associates – who also designed St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church here is Saskatoon, and the Willow Island Overlook on Wascana Lake in Regina.
Construction began in 1967 and was completed a year later. It was part of the major mid-century redevelopment of Saskatoon’s downtown, which also included the Midtown Plaza.
This inaugural performance by the SSO featured Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, with participation from the Greystone Singers, U of S Chorus, Saskatoon Choral Society, and the Saskatoon Boy’s Choir.
Over the years, the venue has hosted many concerts, performances, and speakers. Some highlights include:
The Troggs – April 9, 1968 – Just 8 days after opening night.
Anne Murray – March 12, 1971 – A record-breaking event that sold out the entire auditorium in just 90 minutes.
The Black Keys – June 30, 2011 – Fastest online sell-out in the venue’s history, with tickets snapped up in mere minutes.
Marilyn Manson – February 6, 2003 – Made global headlines when the performer threw up and fainted on stage during the concert.
Here’s to all the years and performances spent at TCU Place, its been an incredible journey.
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