The SSO announces the retirement of Lahni Russell after more than three decades as Principal Cellist.
Ms. Russell earned a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music (both with High Distinction) from Indiana University studying with world-renowned cellist, Janos Starker. Post-graduation she spent two years at the Banff Centre of the Arts and was the first ‘cellist to win the Regina Concerto Competition (1987) before winning the audition for Principal Cellist in Saskatoon in 1989.
Performing Morlock’s Exaudi
During her tenure she captivated SSO audiences with many solo concerto performances including Haydn D Major, Kabalevsky, Haydn C Major, Vivaldi and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons, and in 2018, Jocelyn Morlock’s remarkable ‘Exaudi’ with the Canadian Chamber Choir. In the wider community, Ms. Russell was a founding member of Prairie Virtuosi and the U of S Amati Quartet, she sat as first chair for the Saskatoon Opera and accompanied the Saskatoon Children’s Choir on many occasions. Across Canada, she performed as guest artist with the Calgary Philharmonic in Banff, as guest Principal Cello in Regina and in the Victoria and Vancouver Symphony sections. She was Solo cello for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet during performances in Saskatoon and Victoria and was hired for that same position on the Ballet’s tours across the U.S.
In addition to her orchestral performances, Ms. Russell teaches private lessons (in person and online), coaches string ensembles and has mentored advanced string students prior to competitions and exams.
Ms. Russell is also an accomplished luthier and bowmaker. She has provided stringed instrument and bow repair, restoration services, and appraisals to professional musicians and students province-wide and beyond. Her clients have included visiting guest artists and principal string players in professional orchestras. She has operated her own business, LJ Russell Violin and Bowmaker, since 1995. She will continue to teach and offer violin shop services.
Ms. Russell is the longest serving Principal Cellist in the SSO. To recognize her contribution to the orchestra, we are happy to bestow upon her the honorary title of Principal Cellist Emeritus. We thank Lahni for her years of service and wish her well.
It’s hard to believe that I’m enjoying my seventh season as Music Director of the SSO. I’ve had so many unforgettable experiences and memorable moments over the years. Not only has the organization as a whole been incredible (the musicians, Mark Turner and the whole staff, the Board) but the welcome and warmth Karen and I received from the audience, the city, and the community has been special. And that’s why it’s not easy to say that I’ve decided to move on from the SSO at the end of this season and hand over the musical reins of this wonderful orchestra
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as an organization over the years and how we’ve been an innovative force in the Canadian music scene. Some highlights have been the many Saskatchewan and Canadian musicians and music we’ve featured, our growing presence in the community, and simply daring to try new things and making them work. Part of this is creative momentum and I strongly believe new ideas and fresh perspectives are paramount to artistic growth. That’s why I’m very excited in passing the torch to new musical leaders and seeing how they contribute to the future of the SSO.
We’ve already been seeing fresh faces on the podium in the last year and I’m delighted to see many more this coming season. I’m making this announcement now to ensure a smooth transition and for everyone (orchestra, audience, and community) to experience what great things are in store for the orchestra moving forward. Thanks to all of the hard work from everyone involved, the SSO is in a prime position for an exciting future.
But I’m not done yet! I’m excited for the Brahms Requiem this month and then officially saying goodbye in May. I look forward to my last season and continuing to experience not only this great orchestra but the wonderful city of Saskatoon and its incredibly warm and inviting people.
Thank you Saskatoon and see you soon!
Eric Paetkau
We have an incredible track record here at the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. There has not been a single Covid-19 related incident at the SSO since the start of the pandemic. We are also one of the only orchestras who were able to perform all of our planned concerts in the last year. (Minus the one canceled due to a snowstorm!) That is no accident. It is thanks to careful planning and precautions agreed to by all of our people that we have been able to continue our artistry and livelihood safely.
Now that we have an audience in the room it’s more important to us than ever that we keep our events covid free. Since Opening Night we’ve required that everyone, and we mean everyone, interacting with your orchestra is fully vaccinated. All our musicians, guest artists, staff, and volunteers have proven their vaccination status. Before your ticket is scanned there is a wonderful volunteer checking your vaccine status. Everyone in the room is wearing masks and we’ve encouraged you to spread out in our concert spaces to your comfort level.
As much as possible we have eliminated intermissions from our concerts to minimize mingling so most shows run just over an hour. All of our venues have great air circulation and we improve that on stage with fans as several studies have shown increased air circulation is important to stop the potential spread of the virus. These are just some of the steps we take every time we are gathered in a performance space to create a safe and Covid-19 free environment.
Not every concert is able to be live-streamed this season for various reasons, but we are planning to have our audience present for every single performance. Having you in the room with us is a magical experience. The energy improves performances and there’s nothing quite like the thunderous applause we’ve been fortunate to receive after our first few events. It really is quite something to be in the room as the music happens.
Keeping you safe, keeping all of us safe, is the only way we can continue. We mainly rely on ticket sales and donations to keep this organization going and in return, we offer innovative and moving performances, meaningful connections, and countless unforgettable moments.
We laugh, we cry, we experience the music together. Most of all we continue to keep everyone safe so we can make it to 100 years of the SSO, and many years beyond that, all the while enjoying the incredible performances along the way.
We’ve been very proud of the SSO for a proven track record of safety. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve performed, rehearsed, and live streamed without a single case or exposure attached to the SSO. But its time to start making some updates to our protocols to ensure that the transition from pandemic to endemic goes smoothly to keep us on stage!
For the remainder of our 91st season, the musicians and staff will continue to follow the proof of vaccination and masking protocols – we’re together for rehearsals and work regularly, so its important for all of us to keep being diligent. On top of the existing protocols, we’re doing rapid testing and constant self-monitoring to ensure that when we’re feeling under the weather, we keep that at home and not bring it to rehearsals.
For our concert on February 26th, we’re going to continue to ask for proof of vaccination for our audience. As the province moves into this new phase towards living with COVID, we wanted to take a phased approach to removing the protocols we’ve had in place. For the performance of the Music of Swan Lake, we’ll keep all audience protocols in place – beyond that, we’ll start making adjustments to ensure that allow our patrons to feel comfortable and ready to be back in their seats!
We’ll continue working closely with our advisors and public health, and we’re thrilled to continue live streaming our concerts in case you aren’t able yet to join us in the hall!
Frequently Asked Questions
What will your pandemic protocols be at concerts?
We ask that all patrons wear masks at our concerts. For February 26th we’re still asking patrons to provide proof of vaccination upon entering. That protocol is being adjusted in coming concerts.
We are now bringing back intermissions – but ask that patrons be conscious of their space and people around them at intermission.
There will be hand-sanitizer stations positioned throughout concert spaces/lobbies.
If you have a ticket to a concert and you (or someone coming with you) is feeling unwell, we ask that you stay home. While an orchestral concert is a relatively safe environment, it depends on all of us looking after each other. We’ll work with patrons to help them return their ticket for donation value, exchange their ticket to another live event, or view the streaming of certain concerts.
The SSO will continue to develop and adapt its public health protocols in consultation with provincial public health and our advisors in order to keep our musicians and audience safe. Because of that, all programming and events are subject to change.
Are you requiring proof of vaccination?
Yes, for the February 26th concert we’re still asking for proof of vaccination. The large audience who had already purchased their tickets did so under the existing requirement. Our policy will be updated on March 1st.
Are you distancing seating?
For the SSO to break even on large orchestral concerts, we need at least 1000 people at our large concerts – even small concerts need 300+ people to be affordable to produce. As such, we’re not able to socially distance at our concerts as it would make every concert a financial burden to the organization.
But the good news is that many research studies around the globe have proven that classical music events are amongst the safest large crowd activities, with an extremely low risk of transmission. Thankfully classical music has been frowning on coughers for generations 😉
How many concerts will there be?
There are 6 Masters Series Concerts and 4 Pops Series Concerts.
What are you planning to perform?
We’ll be announcing that over the next few weeks!
When will single tickets go on sale?
Currently we plan to have single tickets go on sale September 1st.
What about other concerts?
Our Baroque and Chamber Series are set aside this year to allow us to flexibly keep as many musicians working as possible – so we will have more concerts announced in the weeks ahead, but those will be single ticket only. As subscribers you’ll have the first chance to purchase those tickets.
We have a number of special concerts in the works – a night with Constantinople, Chevalier’s Paris, and more!
Are you a Subscriber?
If you’re a subscriber, you should have received communication to re-subscribe – if you haven’t yet, please email us at office@ saskatoonsymphony.org
If you’d like to subscribe, here’s some important information!
Can I subscribe to a Flex Pack?
Yes! You’re able to pick and choose which concerts you can get in a Flex Pack subscription – those tickets are discounted from single ticket sale prices.
What if I don’t subscribe this year, do I lose my seats?
After August 25th, all seats not spoken for will be opened up for sale. But we’re going to keep all subscriber seats from 2019/2022 on hold for next season – so that means if you decide not to subscribe this year, but plan to come back next year, we’ll hold your seat for 2022/2023!
Can I get extra seats for some concerts?
You will be able to purchase extra seats when single tickets go on sale – due to the volume of work it will take in the next few weeks to process subscriptions (that normally would be processed over 3 months), we’re not allowing for special considerations or extra tickets at this time. We’re trying to keep this as manageable as possible for our administrative team who normally has holidays in August!
Can I change my seats?
Yes, but not until single tickets are on sale. You can renew your seats and then once single tickets are on sale, we can make seating adjustments.
Are you still streaming concerts?
Yes! Streaming is here to stay at the SSO. But streaming is not included with your in-person subscription, so if you’d like to watch concerts at home, you can subscribe for $99.99 a year at www.concertstream.tv
Not all concerts this year will be streamed, but approximately 14 events will be. This includes performances in both Masters and Pops, special events, and more!
Right now as we’re all staying at home, listening to music is a pass time that is well worth digging in to.
We decided we’d put together some hand-selected playlists for you to try out. If you’re itching to listen to something but having found the right mix, you’re in luck because we’ve curated each list for your enjoyment!
Maybe you needs something to spring clean to or you need some gardening inspiration – we’ve got the tracks for you!
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Bach’s music is invigorating for your brain and your body. His music detailed and methodical, planned out but ever fresh. It will put a smile on your face, and help clear your brain. This is music you can put on and go on with your day…but we highly recommend taking some time to sit and concentrate on his music!
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Mozart’s music is utterly timeless – as effervescent and elegant now as the day it was written. In his short 36 years, he wrote such a wealth of music filled with light and laughter. Put this one while you’re working away on your laptop at home…it will keep you and your brain moving!
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Known for writing some of the most heartbreakingly touching music ever, Brahms’ music is ideal for taking listening to curled up with some tea and breathing deeply. Melodies that move with ease and tension that finds release, Brahms’ music is good for helping you drop your shoulders.
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There is an amazing wealth of music that needs to be heard. The SSO has a passion for new music and for music that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. So we brought you this list – from the amazing George Walker to the stunningly beautiful music of Dobrinka Tabakova, we think you’ll find something to love!
He’s entirely entranced by Aloysia…but he falls for Constanza. Did we mention that his sister has ambitions too?
In March of 2020 the artists were ready to fly in and we had this unique collaborative project ready to go….so to bring it to life we’ve re-reimagined Mozart!
The SSO teams up with Saskatoon Opera to create a new theatrical work centred around reimagining the music and stories of Mozart.
Saskatchewan composers Kendra Harder, Danika Lorèn, Tiess McKenzie, and Alexander Tosh each took on the challenge of reimagining an aria from Mozart’s vast repertoire – the results are refreshing, creative, and captivating!
Vocalists Oli Guselle, Emma Johnson, and Kelsey Ronn bring to life three important women in Mozart’s life…their letters back and forth with the Maestro become the basis of this new story.
Mozart himself comes to life through dancer Kyle Syverson, with choreography by Jackie Latendresse of FreeFlow Dance.
Danika Lorèn pulled triple duty for this unique musical experience – not only was she one of our emerging composers, but she is the creator behind the concept and director. Adding to the curiousity of creating this project in a pandemic, Lorèn directed virtually from her home in Toronto!
Conductor Maria Fuller leads the SSO Chamber Ensemble in this one of a kind performance!
The performance is available to watch until August 4th!
[button link=”https://concertstream.tv/programs/maria-fb_insta-promomp4-46bc2e”]Buy Digital Ticket[/button]
Over the last year, Kendra Harder (she/hers) and the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra have been offering free online courses for the public about female composers, focusing on their experiences, the reasons for their erasure from textbooks, and, naturally, the wonderful music they have created. As an extension of this class, we are hosting a panel discussion dedicated to Trans and Non-Binary composers and artists.
This discussion will explore various aspects of navigating the performing arts and composition worlds from a trans or non-binary perspective while celebrating the constellation of genders that exist in the world.
Being on YouTube Live, there will be an opportunity for a question and answer period to create an interactive international experience!
[box type=”info” size=”large” style=”rounded”]When: Wednesday, June 16th at 11:00am-12:00pm CST
Where: https://youtu.be/FW7neafVLTc[/box]
[box]respectfulchild is an interdisciplinary artist born, raised, and living as an uninvited guest on Treaty 6 Territory. Their work explores the quiet tensions and chaotic beauty of being a queer Chinese settler on the prairies, ranging from spontaneous improvisation to meticulous composition. Their debut album 在找::searching:: was released in the summer of 2017 on Coax Records and they have toured across Canada and Europe with artists such as Rae Spoon, A Tribe Called Red, and Jeremy Dutcher.
The name respectfulchild is the literal translation of their Mandarin name 敬兒[jìng er]. This name was given to them by their grandmother when they were born, a name and a culture they’ve become estranged from having lived their whole life in the predominantly white world of the Canadian Prairies. The music of respectfulchild is their quiet way of seeking meaning in 敬兒 again.[/box]
[box]Theo Baer is a Brooklyn-based composer and performer. His work is the result of a diverse musical upbringing and journey towards emotional healing as a black and trans artist. His individual approach to melodic sound is influenced heavily by an eagerness to adapt and experiment with a variety of genres. These compositions illustrate an intimate and vulnerable narrative channeled through the manipulation of tape loops, synthesizers, keyboards, and other electronic voices.The resulting pieces reflect an eclectic upbringing in musical performance. iT Boy is Baer’s solo electronic project.
[box]CN Lester is a writer, musician, academic, and leading LGBTI activist. Co-founder of the UK’s first national queer youth organisation, they curate the trans art event Transpose for Barbican, and work internationally as a trans and feminist educator and speaker. Their work has featured on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, SBS, The Guardian, ABC, The Independent, Newsnight, and at Sydney Opera House.
A singer-songwriter and a classical performer, composer and researcher, CN specialises in early and modern music, particularly by women composers. Gigs/engagements include work at The Barbican, Southbank Centre, Snape Maltings, The Royal Exchange, Fluid Festival, Queer Prides throughout Europe, and art galleries/bars/recital halls/book and coffee shops/universities throughout the UK. They have released three independent, crowd-funded albums: “Ashes” (2012), “Aether” (2014) and “Come Home” (2017) – all available via iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.
“Trans Like Me” (Virago/Seal) is their first book, named as one of the three essential works on trans issues by The New York Times. With glowing reviews from The Times Literary Supplement and Publishers Weekly, “Trans Like Me” is a collection of essays on gender, society, history, and building better futures.
They live in London and drink too much coffee.[/box]
[box]Originally from Washington D.C. and now residing in New York City, inti figgis-vizueta (b. 1993) focuses on close collaborative relationships with a wide range of ensembles and soloists. Her musical practice is physical and visceral, attempting to reconcile historical aesthetics and experimental practices with trans & indigenous futures. The New York Times speaks of her music as “alternatively smooth & serrated”, The Washington Post as “raw, scraping yet soaring”, and the National Sawdust Log as “all turbulence” and “quietly focused”. inti is the 2020 recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Fred Ho Award for “work that defies boundary and genre”.
Recent commissions include works for the Kronos Quartet, Attacca Quartet, JACK Quartet, Crash Ensemble, & Music from Copland House Ensemble, as well as Jennifer Koh, Matt Haimovitz, & Andrew Yee. Her music has been presented in spaces such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Chicago Symphony Center, Kennedy Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Louise M. Davis Symphony Hall, and the Dublin National Concert Hall. She is currently in residency at So Percussion’s Brooklyn studio for the ‘21-22 season.
inti is a mentor for the ‘21-22 Luna Composition Lab & the Boulanger Initiative Mentorship Program and returning ‘21 faculty member for the Young Women Composers Camp. inti maintains a busy presentation schedule, with recent talks at McGill University, Manhattan School of Music, the LA Phil Composer Fellowship Program, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara. inti also regularly appears on artist panels including engagements with National Sawdust/Center for Ballet & the Arts @ NYU, University of Kansas, American Composers Forum, and the New Latin Wave Festival.
inti studied privately with Marcos Balter, George Lewis, Donnacha Dennehy, and Felipe Lara. inti received mentorship from Gavilán Rayna Russom, Du Yun, Angélica Negrón, Tania León, and Amy Beth Kirsten.
inti loves reading poetry, particularly Danez Smith and Joy Harjo. inti honors her Quechua bisabuela, who was the only woman butcher on the whole plaza centraland used to fight men with a machete.[/box]
[box]As a performer, Camille Rogers (they/them) has been praised for their “tremendous stage presence” and “real flair for comedy” (Operaramblings). Camille’s “gossamer mezzo-soprano” (Mooney on Theatre) has been described as “even-keeled and grounded even in times of intense physicality” (Schmopera). Camille has also been recognized for their work as Co-Artistic Director of Toronto’s queer opera collective OperaQ, and has been invited to speak at related events hosted by Amplified Opera, the University of Toronto, and VIVA! Youth Singers of Toronto.
Camille currently studies at the University of Toronto, pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts with a Collaborative Specialization in Sexual Diversity Studies. Their research, supported by the prestigious Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship, investigates how problematic historical works of music theatre can be transformed and made relevant to today’s audiences through the bodies of modern queer performers. As part of their studies, Camille is currently developing a narrative recital portraying the extraordinary life story of gender-non-conforming opera singer and duellist Julie d’Aubigny (1670-1707). With OperaQ, Camille is in the process of producing a queer chamber opera with a libretto by award-winning Canadian poet Charlie Petch.
An active performer in many styles of opera, Camille most recently appeared as Suli/Suzie in Buddies in Bad Times’s world premiere of Pomegranate, and as Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas with OperaQ. Other past engagements include the role of Lake in FAWN’s collectively improvised techno opera Belladonna, Young Girl in The Marriage of Figaro with Opera Atelier, and the title role of L’Italiana in Algeri with MYOpera. Camille has also been featured as a soloist with the Toronto Bach Festival and Cor Unum Ensemble, and has presented solo recitals with Centric MusicFest and Lethbridge Pride Fest.[/box]
For centuries, the writers of musical textbooks (and the programmers of musical institutions) excluded women who composed.
Francesca Caccini (1587-1645)
Motherhood. Quarantine. Saving one’s self from the guillotine with their piano skills. Composers of today have a surprising amount in common with composers of yesteryear!
In this second instalment of Musical Herstory, we will continue looking at the amazing lives and music of female composers from the past and the present. We’ll look at works created across the years in those typically “male dominated” genres, the dual roles of mother and composer, and music from composers whom we know very little about.
The SSO is again proud to present Saskatoon composer Kendra Harder in this six week course exploring the herstory of music that you need to know!
Classes take place Thursdays at 7:00pm (Saskatchewan time) – each class is 60 minutes.
The first class takes place on May 13th, and will be available on video to those who aren’t able to attend the class live on Zoom.
[button link=”https://www.youtube.com/c/SaskatoonSymphonyOrchestra/playlists?view=50&shelf_id=3″]Click here to Watch![/button]
[box]How does it work?
Before the first class, you’ll receive an email that gives you access to the 6 weeks of scheduled Zoom classes.
If you can’t participate in the live Zoom class, you’ll have access to the video of the class on our YouTube channel.[/box]
Week One – Composer & Mother
Our society often expects that women become mothers, but not composers. What is it like for those who are both?
What are the challenges faced by women in professional spheres attempting to balance raising children and creating
a career?
Composers in focus:
- Allison Loggins-Hull – this week is inspired by her project “Diametrically Composed.”
- Elizabeth Maconchy (1907 – 1994)
Week Two – Symphony Week
We enter the "male domain" of the symphony and look at what women have done in this sphere.
Composers in focus:
- Amy Beach (1867 - 1944)
- Alice Ping Yee Ho
Week Three – Almost Footnotes
There are so many composers (both male and female) where there is little biographical information about them,
and in some cases absolutely none is to be found. As a result, these composers and their music are overlooked
putting them at risk of simply being a footnote in textbooks. This week we'll spend time listening to music by
composers whom we know little about.
Composers in focus:
- Cesarina Ricci (c. 1573 - ?)
- Hélène de Montgeroult (1764 – 1836)
- Eva Dell’Acqua (1856 – 1930)
- Cecilia Arizti (1856 – 1930)
- Lyse Gingras (b. 1949)
Week Four – Guitar Week
Solo repertoire for the guitar is a very heavy male-dominated field; but men are not the only ones to have picked up
that beautiful six-stringed instrument to create music. This week will look at two fantastic guitar virtuosi whose
music is finally coming back into the public consciousness.
Composers in focus:
- Ida Presti (1924-1967)
- Catharina Pratten (1824-1895)
Week Five – Beautiful Blends
These two composers make amazing blends of music with their traditional music and the Western classical music.
Composers in focus:
- Tanya Tagaq
- Reena Esmail
Week Six – Opera Week
This genre of large-scale works has been hailed as the grand rite of passage for any serious composer, and therefore,
was denied to women. This week will look at one woman who wrote some of the first operas, and is considered the
first woman to have composed an opera. Plus, we will look at what women are writing today!
Composers in focus:
- Francesca Caccini (1587 – 1645)
- Nkeiru Okoye
Experience the Baroque era in a detailed look at the wondrous music, life and times of J.S. Bach. This course will be illustrated with musical examples and visuals, and musical snippets will be played on the keyboard to describe the content! Questions are encouraged throughout the course.
Join us as we explore Bach’s eternal world together!
The SSO is proud to present Saskatoon pianist Dr. Sofia Mycyk in this six-week course.
Classes take place Fridays at 11:00am (Saskatchewan time) – each class is 60 minutes.
The first class takes place on April 30th, and will be available on video to those who aren’t able to attend the class live on Zoom.
[button link=”https://www.youtube.com/c/SaskatoonSymphonyOrchestra/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=4″]Click here to Watch![/button]
[box]How does it work?
Before the first class, you’ll receive an email that gives you access to the 6 weeks of scheduled Zoom classes.
If you can’t participate in the live Zoom class, you’ll have access to the video of the class on our YouTube channel.[/box]
Week 1
Introduction and Early YearsOrgan Virtuoso
Week 2
Life in CöthenBrandenburg Concerti, Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Violin and Cello Suites
Week 3
Life in Leipzig IThe Passions
Week 4
Life in Leipzig IISolo Concerti, Italian Concerto
Week 5
Keyboard WizardryThe Goldberg Variations, The Art of Fugue, The Musical Offering
Week 6
The Cantata JourneyCantatas, Mass in B minor
On the world stage, Dr. Sofia Mycyk has performed as soloist with orchestras in the United States and Canada, and has been featured at the Landowska Harpsichord Society in Chicago, Thursday Musical series in Minneapolis, at the Dekker Centre in North Battleford, the Lyell Gustin Recital Series, and the Ritornello Chamber Music Festival in Saskatoon. Recent performance highlights for Dr. Mycyk include the Lakes Area Music Festival, PianoFest in the Hamptons, LOFTrecital concerts in Minneapolis, and performing Colin McPhee’s Piano Concerto in Ted Mann Concert Hall, as winner of the concerto competition. This January Sofia collaborated with soprano Katya Khartova in a recital entitled “Ukrainian Art Song on a Starlit Night” presented and live-streamed by the Saskatoon Opera.
With the generous support of the Shevchenko Foundation, Worobetz Foundation and Ukrainian Canadian Congress, she released her first album entitled Hutsulian Watercolours in 2018, featuring solo piano music by Ukrainian composers.
In 2015 Sofia was the répétiteur for the Saskatoon Opera’s production of Puccini’s Madame
Butterfly, following the previous year’s engagement as Music Director for the Saskatoon Opera tour of Dean Burry’s The Brother’s Grimm.
Last spring Sofia graduated with a Doctorate in the Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Minnesota where she held a Teaching Assistantship in Collaborative Piano. Her teachers have included Dr. Timothy Lovelace, Dr. Michael Kim and Bonnie Nicholson.
Besides playing the piano, Sofia loves the great outdoors, running, reading and staying in touch
with family and friends. She resides in Saskatoon, teaching, performing and collaborating. Her studio encompasses a full range of students from beginner to advanced levels, and includes theory and chamber music instruction.
Making music is so much more than just being able to bring the notes off a page to life. Have you ever wondered what it takes to pick the right bow? Does a mouthpiece make a difference for a trumpeter? How do you tune a timpani?
Trumpeter Dean McNeill sheds some light on Tartini’s incredible Concerto for Trumpet