With winter FINALLY over for good (our May Long Weekend dump of snow officially melted), and a beautiful concert right around the corner, it’s time to introduce our newest After Dark gin cocktail.
With summer weather underway, we wanted to highlight fresh bright ingredients like citrus and mint. Since this flavour profile gives a similar feeling to the music of our next concert, we decided to name it after our season finale, Finding Light.
Now let’s prepare for summer AND a divine concert with this delicious new cocktail featuring the SSO’s After Dark gin, partnered with Black Fox Farm & Distillery.
What You’ll Need
Glass
Ice
After Dark gin
Mint leaves
Lemon (for fresh juice and garnish)
Simple Syrup
Soda water
Ingredients & Measurements
Approx. 6 mint leaves
1oz simple syrup
1oz fresh lemon juice
1oz After Dark gin – or more 😉
Approx. 4oz club soda
Recipe
Add mint leaves to your glass
Add 1oz simple syrup
Add 1oz fresh lemon juice
Add 1oz After Dark gin
Muddle ingredients
Fill glass with ice
Top with soda
Stir
Garnish with lemon twist and mint sprig
Enjoy!
Notes
SIMPLE SYRUP – It has it’s name for a reason! There is no need to buy it from the store, just mix equal parts sugar and warm water (to help the sugar dissolve) and there you have simple syrup! Best stored in the fridge.
TIP FROM TOM: Muddling your ingredients releases the aroma of the mint and gives your cocktail an even more refreshing taste!
WATCH THE RECIPE! The videos below show this cocktail being made in real time. Choose the quick, straight-forward recipe video (left) or the full walkthrough with Tom Brown and Kateryna Khartova from the SSO (right).
As the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra approaches our 100th anniversary, we are embracing change and redefining our role in the Saskatoon music community.
Recently, CEO Mark Turner had the opportunity to be interviewed about our 100th year by SaskCulture. You can read the full article here.
As stated in the original article, our 10-year strategic plan, Opus 100, is all about preparing and adapting to a changing cultural landscape. As part of our effort, the SSO is reimagining what it means to be an orchestra and redefining our role as a catalyst for music appreciation in the community, with the goal of building long-term sustainability.
“The change in … attracting people in different ways came when we stopped thinking about our concerts as purely the musical experiences we had before.”
– CEO Mark Turner
Hear Mark Turner speak on the SSO’s strategic plan for the years leading up to the big 100 as well as the importance that live music brings to a community like our own:
We are able to do what we do thanks to the support of those who have involved themselves with the SSO. It is because of the support from our community that we are able to bring these amazing musical experiences to the prairies.
We are so proud of what we have built together. Staff, volunteers, musicians, and YOU, our supporters, have built the success that is the envy of many Canadian orchestras.
Leading up to our 100th year, we need your support more than ever. Please share in the joy, hope, and community of supporting your orchestra as we approach this exciting era.
Learn more about our strategic plan, Opus 100, here:
As we continue to make new recipes showcasing our After Dark gin (partnered with Black Fox Farm & Distillery), we figured it’s time for something a bit stronger.
This month, we are featuring a heavier pour of our After Dark gin. This cocktail is meant to really bring out all the notes of this local liquor, showing just how well it stands on it’s own.
Containing only three ingredients (that you probably already have on hand), this gin cocktail is meant to be something you can whip up anytime.
Let’s get into our April gin cocktail, Bees Knees.
What You’ll Need
Martini or coupe glass
Ice
After Dark gin
Lemon (for fresh juice and garnish)
Honey
Ingredients & Measurements
2oz After Dark gin
3/4oz fresh lemon juice
1/2oz honey
Recipe
Fill shaker with ice
Add 2oz After Dark gin
Add 3/4oz fresh lemon juice
Add 1/2oz honey
Shake ingredients until shaker is chilled
Strain into your glass
Garnish with lemon twist
Enjoy!
Notes
VERSATILITY: Everyone’s palate is unique, and with that comes differing preferences on flavour. The sweetness and the acidity of this martini are 100% able to be curated to your taste. Add more or less honey to adjust your sweetness level, and more or less fresh lemon juice to adjust the acidity of the cocktail. After all, what is important is that the cocktail tastes pleasant to YOU.
TIP FROM TOM: The amount you shake this cocktail will decide how strong your beverage is. Give it a good, long shake to allow the ice to dilute the gin, softening the gin’s top notes and accentuating the base notes. A shorter shake will avoid dilution, preserving the more gentle top notes and resulting in a smoother cocktail.
WATCH THE RECIPE! The videos below show this cocktail being made in real time. Choose the quick, straight-forward recipe video (left) or the full walkthrough with the SSO’s Tom Brown and double-bass player Troy Morris (right).
The Traveller, featuring Kinan Azmeh (clarinet) and Dinuk Wijeratne (conductor/piano) is right around the corner! Did you know the relationship between these two artists goes way beyond the SSO?
Here, Britainy Zapshalla writes about their long-time friendship:
What happens when a symphony orchestra hands over the reins to two lifelong friends? The answer is simply a magical evening of music and collaboration as the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra presents The Traveller Saturday May 2 – 7:30p.m. at TCU Place. The performance will be a musical journey shaped by the 25-year friendship, collaboration, and curiosity of pianist/conductor/composer Dinuk Wijeratne and clarinetist/composer Kinan Azmeh. Their story began at Julliard but they didn’t meet in the classroom. Wijeratne and Azmeh met at New York’s International House. The student residence had practice rooms and it was there, surrounded by a global community, the pair began to improvise and question musical traditions.
“We weren’t just playing music – we were playing with music, ” says Azmeh. “Even then we were curious about everything – culture, sound, meaning. We were experimenting with classical repertoire.”
Their friendship continued to resonate on many levels. As immigrants, Sri Lankan-born Wijeratne and Syrian-born Azmeh continue to be inspired by personal journeys and global events. One of the pieces on the program is Wijeratne’s Clarinet Concerto which the composer wrote for Azmeh during the conflict in Syria.
“If war happens, if migration happens because of war, how do you define home?,” says Wijeratne. “This piece is meant to evoke ideas of home. Is it geographic? Is it connected to the people you love or the community you want to contribute to? Is it a state of mind or a feeling at a particular moment? It’s a question deep in our DNA as artists.”
Throughout the evening Azmeh and Wijeratne will perform each other’s music blurring the line between composer and interpreter. Wijeratne will also conduct the orchestra and his friend – marking the first time the two have presented a full program together.
“At the heart of it, this is about trust, ” says Azmeh.“When you write music for a friend, you trust them to make it their own and take care of it when they perform. We lean on each other musically and personally, that makes everything feel natural on stage.”
“When we get to perform together, it’s like no time has passed. Every rehearsal begins with us sharing a good meal and catching up on life,” says Wijeratne. “Knowing Kinan has made me a better composer and musician. This performance is basically two of us served to you on a plate. A true fusion dish.”
Get your tickets to see Azmeh and Wijeratne’s 25-year friendship take the stage in The Traveller!
James Ehnes is on tour across the country to celebrate his 50th birthday, and in May 2026, he stops in Saskatoon for a recital!
He stops at many Canadian cities along the way playing bright, beautiful music on the violin accompanied by piano.
The piece Imaginal for violin and piano by Carmen Braden was written specifically for Ehnes’ Canadian tour! Braden shared some of the inspiration behind the piece, that you can read here;
Imaginal for violin and piano Carmen Braden
How caterpillars become butterflies is crazier and more inspirational than I ever knew! Their bodies disintegrate inside the cocoon into a kind of goo and then are rebuilt into a new form that is bewilderingly different than the old. Special cells called “imaginal” cells are the catalysts for this transformation. They lie dormant in the caterpillar until the right phase of metamorphosis, then become the blueprints and building blocks forming the new butterfly wings, body, legs, antennae out of the caterpillar goo. How cool is that. So coo. Goo.
The universal idea is that we all have our future potentials dormant inside us. And when something catalyzes a major transformation, there is a dissolving of the old which is often hard and we fight against it. But then the incredible and tough and beautiful and surprising rebuilding happens. It is super humanly-relatable to being in a mid-life crisis! – or any kind of big life change… I learned about imaginal cells while I turned 40 last year and am working through a now years-long disintegration and rebuilding of my musical directions.
Musically in “Imaginal” there is a core melody woven throughout the piece that goes through many takings-apart and putting-back-togethers. The melody is from a song I wrote in the early writing stages to get me started.
I wrote “Imaginal” for violinist James Ehnes as he turns 50, travels Canada and the world to play beautiful music. Cuz if there’s anything that’ll hold us together in this crazy world, it’s music, friends, and caterpillars.
Commissioned by the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (lead commissioner), the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Bravo Niagara, Calgary Pro Musica, Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, Cecilia Concerts, Chamber Music Kelowna, Club musical de Québec, Coast Recital Society—Sechelt, Edmonton Chamber Music Society, The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Mount Allison University, The Royal Conservatory of Music, Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Scotia Festival of Music, Symphony Nova Scotia, and Whitehorse Concerts.
Hear James Ehnes play Imaginal (and more!) in recital on May 6, 2026 at 7:30PM at St. John’s Cathedral.
It’s hard to believe that we’re just a few years away from celebrating the SSO’s 100th anniversary.
While we’ve just launched our 96th season, I can tell you that there’s already a lot of work being done to prepare for these years leading up to the big anniversary. We’re making sure to plan special dates with incredible guests and we’re already talking to composers about commissioning new works for that momentous year.
Over the next few years, we’re committed to working with our community to use our 100th as a not only a celebration, but a chance to build a future for music in Saskatoon that ensures its growth and vitality for another 100 years.
None of this would be possible without the amazing support of you, our donors and supporters. We say it a lot, but we really do mean it: thank you. Thank you for helping us invest in our musicians and the musical community. Thank you for helping us grow and bring you more concert experiences that only the SSO can bring to life.
But mostly, thank you for believing in our vision that a community is better when music is given a chance to flourish.
Once again this year, we’re going to do what we do best to show our gratitude…throw a party!
Between now and May 31st, we’re looking for 2000 people to make a $100 donation to the SSO. To share our gratitude, we’re again throwing a donor appreciation concert on November 21st for the SSO’s 96th birthday. Every donation of $100 gets a free seat to a night of great music with your SSO and a host of surprise guest stars!
The magic is that all gifts are matched by the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation. Their generosity makes this new Share in the Future campaign extra special!
What’s on the program you ask? The orchestra is again joined by a host of surprise guests in a night of ridiculous fun and celebration. After the concert join us in the lobby for a party. It’s the official kick off to our centenary festivities.
With your support of our Share in the Future campaign, we get to treat you to a night of what we do best… a fabulous concert and a heck of a party!
This year, as we launch our 96th season, we are doing things a bit different.
You, the viewer, get to completely curate your symphony experience AND save money while you’re doing it.
What do we mean by this?
Well basically, we came up with the shows. Now the ball is in your court. You get to create your very own ticket bundle. Mix and match concerts, choose a specific theme, whatever floats your boat.
The best part is, the more concerts you add to your ticket bundle, the more money you save!
To start you off, we have created examples of ticket bundles you can make! This first one is for those craving a more traditional orchestra experience. These concerts showcase classical music, podium partners, guest artists, and of course your Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra.
Take a look at your ~ Symphonic Essentials ~ ticket bundle:
Curated by Keaton Leier Featuring artists of The National Ballet of Canada
In At the Ballet, the SSO is thrilled to showcase ballet artist and Saskatoon’s very own, Keaton Leier alongside artists from The National Ballet of Canada.
Created and led by Saskatoon-born Maestro Kevin Zakresky, this multi-media event features the music of Stravinsky, de Falla, Villa-Lobos, Britten, Satie, and more as the SSO underscores footage of Picasso bringing each of his artistic periods to life.
Podium partner Karl Hirzer leads the SSO in a musical journey to Italy featuring Saskatoon’s own Ryan Davis returning home to join the SSO for Hector Berlioz’ adventurous Harold in Italy.
Avery Guo, winner of the 2024 Saskatchewan Concerto Competition, makes her SSO debut in Franz Liszt’s first Piano Concerto. Tania Miller then leads the SSO in Beethoven’s iconic 7th Symphony.
Podium Partner Judith Yan curates a unique concert experience as we move towards the flame. The evening features 5 brand new works by female composers and Violinist Nikki Chooi returns to perform Iman Habibi’s Atash.
We are so excited for you to explore the wonderful experiences we are bringing to Saskatoon in 2026-2027.
Here is a message for you from CEO Mark Turner regarding our brand new season:
Blockbuster.
Do you remember the thrill of seeing your first movie at the cinema? The anticipation of your first time seeing a play? The excitement of sinking into your seat just as the orchestra breathes together and takes flight?
It’s the precise moment when you open yourself up to something truly wonderful. The rest of your world can be set aside, and you can turn your focus to the completely selfish act of just being present and getting swept up in the adventure, in the story, in emotions. Completely in the moment.
Our 96th season has been carefully crafted with podium partners and guest artists bringing their absolute creative best to life alongside the SSO.
Some of your favourite orchestral works collide with brand new music, sensational soloists from Saskatchewan and across the globe; a line-up of cinematic fun, powerhouse vocals, a trip back to silent films, and an exploration of the art of Picasso through painting and music.
The fire of a new concerto, swashbuckling on the Black Pearl, leaping to the stars At The Ballet, the gorgeous shade of the Pines of Rome, Kevin’s been left at home, and Carmen…up close and very personal!
A season of concerts made for music lovers, played by music lovers.
It is such a joy to share the SSO’s plans for our 96th Season – we can’t wait for you to take your seats!
See you at the symphony,
Mark Turner, CEO & Creative Producer
Ticket Packages Tailored to Your Tastes!
Your concert preferences are as unique as you are, which is why subscribing is more flexible than ever. We’ve made some suggested ticket bundles for you, but you can mix and match any shows to make your subscription package. The more shows you buy, the more you save! Plus, add on extra tickets to shows when you subscribe, no more waiting until the summer.
BUNDLE TICKETS NOW
The Masters Series is now Symphonic Essentials At The Ballet, Picasso Symphony, In Love Again, Roman Holiday, Verve, Vers la flamme
Featuring Homegrown Talent The Elements, At the Ballet, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Amy & Adele, Picasso Symphony, Handel’s Messiah, Christmas Classics at the Cathedral, Roman Holiday, Verve Bonus add In Love Again & All Beethoven. Johannes Moser’s mother was born here, so we’ll claim him too!
Female Powerhouses The Elements, At the Ballet, Amy and Adele, Home Alone in Concert, Handel’s Messiah, Verve, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert, Vers la flamme
Inspiring Instrumentalists The Elements, Hunchback of Notre Dame, In Love Again, All Beethoven, Roman Holiday, Verve, Vers la flamme
Shows at TCU Place At the Ballet, Amy and Adele, Picasso Symphony, Home Alone in Concert, Pirates of the Caribbean in Concert, In Love Again, Roman Holiday, Verve, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert, Vers la flamme
Shows at Other Venues The Elements, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Handel’s Messiah, Christmas Classics at the Cathedral, All Beethoven
Family Fun At the Ballet, Amy and Adele, Home Alone in Concert, Pirates of the Caribbean in Concert, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
Movie Bundle Home Alone in Concert, Pirates of the Caribbean in Concert, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert – bonus add The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Know someone interested in the SSO? Tell them about our New Subscriber Bundle! Choose a minimum of 5 shows from: The Elements, At the Ballet, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Amy and Adele, Picasso Symphony, Handel’s Messiah, Christmas Classics at the Cathedral, In Love Again, All Beethoven, Roman Holiday, Verve, Vers la Flamme, and get 50% off!
Must be a new subscriber household, discount does not apply to licensed movies in concert, and is not available in the grand circle.
For classical orchestra lovers, our past Masters series becomes Symphonic Essentials. Podium Partners, guest artists, and your SSO in it’s classic setting.
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.
Today in particular we’re looking back at the impact Joni Mitchell had on music.
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and painter, Joni Mitchell is a creative visionary who has gained a reputation as one of the greatest artists of all time. Often described as a “painter derailed by circumstance,” she applied a visual artist’s eye to her lyrics and unconventional musical compositions.
Born Roberta Joan Anderson in 1943, she survived a childhood bout with polio that left her with weakened hands – a challenge she eventually turned into a creative signature by developing over 60 unique open guitar tunings to make playing easier. These tunings became the foundation of her distinctive, harmonically-rich sound. She also painted nearly all of her own album covers, viewing her music and painting as two sides of the same creative coin.
Mitchell’s career began in Canadian coffeehouses before she moved to the U.S. in 1965. She quickly became a “songwriter for the stars,” with artists like Judy Collins and Crosby, Stills & Nash turning her originals into hits before she was a household name herself.
Her 1971 album “Blue” is widely considered one of the greatest confessional albums ever recorded. It offered a raw and unfiltered look at her relationships and personal struggles, and would eventually influence artists like Prince and Taylor Swift.
Our 2018 performance of Mitchell’s music with Sarah Slean was a landmark first live performance of Vince Mendoza’s beautiful orchestrations – this new concert paired favourites like A Case of You and Both Sides Now with classics like River, Blue, and Circle Game. It was an extra special performance here in the singer-songwriter’s hometown in celebration of her 80th birthday.
Disney Fine Artist Denyse Klette’s abstract painting of Joni Mitchell for the SSO.
It is truly an honour for the SSO to have the opportunity to share music like that of Joni Mitchell with the entire community. We strive to continue to bring music rich in history, emotion, and culture to the city of Saskatoon.
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.
Today in particular we’re looking back at the time we got to experience with Harry Belafonte.
Singer, actor, and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking artist whose career spanned 80 years. But did you know that the “King of Calypso” performed with the SSO numerous times during his career?
Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem to Jamaican-born parents. He dropped out of high school to join the Navy and served during World War 2. After the war, he got a job as a janitor and eventually took acting classes at the New School in New York (alongside the likes of Sidney Poitier, Marlon Brando, and Bea Arthur.)
He hit the charts and the big screen in the mid 50s, and was a household name by the 60s, when he became deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. It was Belafonte himself who bailed his good friend Martin Luther King, Jr. out of the Birmingham Alabama jail in 1963, in addition to raising funds for other protesters.
Belafonte first performed with the SSO in 1977 while on a tour to raise funds for Canadian orchestras. When his show in Montreal was canceled, Belafonte suggested coming to Saskatoon instead – a place he had visited a few times in the 70s – “a place of warm and kind people” who packed Centennial Auditorium with just 8 days notice of the show.
This concert featured a performance of Belafonte’s brand-new song “Turn the World Around” from the 1977 album of the same name – a track he also famously performed on The Muppets Show (and later at Jim Henson’s funeral.)
The concert program cover for Belafonte’s performance on December 4, 1977.
So it’s safe to say that your SSO has had it’s fair share of great collaborations, dating quite a ways back! Stay tuned to your SSO’s InTune blog to catch more stories, throwbacks, upcoming news, and more!
