Celebrating the Future

A New Donor Appreciation Gala for Season 94!

I cannot imagine my life without music.

I turn to music when I want to celebrate. I rely on music when I need consoling. Music shapes my memories and all the important moments of my life. Even after being at the helm of the SSO for the last 10 years, I still get giddy with excitement on concert nights – there is nothing more exhilarating than the sound of an orchestra in full flight.

It’s an excitement that is more than about the music, for me, it’s an excitement about the people involved.

How lucky are we that our little city, in the middle of the vast prairies, has so many deeply dedicated and talented musicians that call it home – how incredible it is to have an orchestra of this calibre right here in Saskatoon. Musicians who shine when faced with the music of Beethoven, Gershwin, Ruth Gipps, Harry Potter, or Queen. An orchestra that can truly serve its entire community – from die-hard classical music lovers to young families experiencing the Lion King film brought to life with live music. From world premieres with Grammy winners to Time for Toddlers, what a gift it is to the people of this community that we have musicians of this calibre right here.

But it’s not just the musicians on stage. My excitement is charged up by you in the seats – your love of the music, your willingness to join us on musical adventures, and your excitement when we have a hometown artist centre stage. Feeling the energy in the lobby on a symphony night, and the joy that fills the room, like when we do a Disney show, are the things that still make me excited each, and every, concert.

When I first came to the SSO I laid out a plan to create a bright future for this organization. In 2015 we had 2000 people who each gave $100 to help shape the future of music in Saskatoon.

It’s time to do it again.

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 this November 23rd on the SSO’s 94th 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!

You can give $25 a month for the next four months, give $10 a week for 10 weeks, or give $100 all at once. Give $200 to make sure you have two seats!

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!

In a time when orchestras around the world are struggling to survive, the SSO is thriving. It’s a thing to be celebrated and a thing to secure.

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!

The Genius of William Grant Still

Called “the Dean of African-American composers”, William Grant Still (1895–1978) worked in all genres of music – from jazz to Broadway musicals to modern classical music (he studied in New York with Edgard Varèse, who encouraged Still to find his own voice as a composer, explore his black heritage and exploit his talent for melody). Still achieved many firsts for an African-American – the first to have a symphony performed by a major symphony orchestra; first to conduct a major orchestra; first to conduct an orchestra in the Deep South; first to have an opera (‘Troubled Island’) produced by a major company; and first to have an opera (‘A Bayou Legend’) broadcast on television (posthumously in 1981).

Like his contemporary George Gershwin, Still successfully mixed the idioms of jazz with classical music. In his Suite for Violin and Piano, the third movement contains a syncopated violin line and a jazz piano style called stride. His African-American Symphony is infused with the blues of the Deep South. More subtle than Gershwin’s ‘Broadway jazz’, Still used the African American elements not simply for orchestral colour but places them at the heart of the work. The symphony boasts rich harmonies, brilliant orchestration, jazz-inflected rhythms in a work which can easily stand up against the best of the genre. There is sweetness and sadness, depression and joy, and a beautiful, heart-rending finale. His piano music, notably Three Visions, demonstrates his remarkable talent for blending and contrasting colours to support a melody with wonderful subtlety, and the spiritual qualities of this music, most evident in ‘Summerland’, are on a par with the late piano music of Beethoven or Schubert.

Still’s musical language was not bound to one genre, nor did he set out to write distinctly “African-American” music, and he firmly believed that one should be a master of all styles. Some of his music displays distinctly modernist idioms, especially that written in the latter part of his life, while his experiences as an orchestrator and pit musician informed his later compositions and led to his success in both popular and art music.

The SSO is thrilled to perform Still’s Symphony No 1 on February 10th as part of our concert Roaring Twenties – see it live or stream it from home!

Museum of the Moon and Vicissitude

It’s not often that you get to experience art from above and below! Here’s all you need to know about the art installations you get to explore tonight.

Look up and see

The Museum of the Moon

by Luke Jerram

Learn More

Look down and see

Vicissitude

by Monique Martin and Alexandra Hedberg

Learn More

ConcertStream.tv

A completely new way to experience the music – get up close and personal with the sound – ConcertStream.tv

What does this mean? It means your orchestra wherever you are.

At the current time, purchases of tickets and subscription to the streaming must be made on the ConcertStream.tv website

Live Streaming Ticket

For as little as $21 per Digital Ticket you and your household can watch the concert as it happens from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you have internet access.

Dark haired man and blonde woman laying on bed smiling while watching laptop. — You can watch all SSO concerts from home

When you purchase live stream access you will need to sign in to or create an account. Once your account is set up you can log in any time to see what you have access to. There will be a countdown for the upcoming live stream and you can even add a calendar reminder! You will get an email alert when the concert begins, but you can log in and get ready to view the live stream at any time. Once the live stream is complete there will be a recording available for you for 24 hours. It may take an hour or two to appear in your library.

Digital Tickets start at $19.99 and gives you access to one concert for 24 hours. You can also purchase $39 Supporter Tickets – these still get you the same 24hr streaming, but give you a way to support the SSO at this time!

Click Here to See Upcoming Events

Tickets must be purchased on the ConcertStream.tv website – no in-app purchases are allowed at this time.

Plan on watching 6 or more concerts? Wish you could watch them whenever you want and as many times as you want? An SSO Streaming Subscription is for you!

SSO Streaming Subscription

For only $99.99 you can have access to all SSO live streamed concerts for the year. You will also have full access to the SSO’s concert videos on demand. This means you can watch all our concert and bonus content wherever you want, whenever you want, and as many times as you want.

Love our opening night concert and want to see it again? You could watch it every day and its all covered by your $99.99 subscription!

Have major FOMO because you missed one of the live streams? Have no fear! You can catch all our incredible concerts at a later date and it still only costs you $99.99.

No need to miss out when you're out at the lake! — No FOMO for these lake goers. They have a subscription to the SSO Digital Concert Stream.

Here’s how it works:

Purchase your SSO Streaming Subscription by clicking here (you can checkout as a guest)
Purchase your SSO Streaming Subscription
You’ll be able to set up your account, with your own password, and you’ll get a confirmation email for your purchase.
Once your subscription is set up you’ll be able to login to watch videos whenever you want!
Live streamed performances are available for 24 hours – 7 days after all live streamed concerts you’ll be able to watch the concert film of that concert on demand by logging into ConcertStream.tv.
Enjoy unprecedented access to the SSO for a year!

You not only get a fantastic discount for all the live-streamed concerts by getting the SSO Streaming Subscription, but you also get the benefits of video on demand all while supporting your orchestra. How can you go wrong?

Subscriptions must be purchased on the ConcertStream.tv website – no in-app purchases are allowed at this time. But once you’re logged in on the apps, you’ll stay logged to be able to enjoy concerts whenever you want!

Taking Stock

It is a bit hard to believe that this coming fall marks my 10th season with the SSO. When I first took on this role, I took to our blog to share my vision for the future. But somewhere along the way I ran out of time to blog…a good problem to have because it was the result of incredible organizational growth.

As I’ve watched our orchestra and our organization grow this season, I wanted to take time to take stock of what we’ve accomplished.

Since its launch, we’ve had more than thirty-five million minutes of viewing on the ConcertStream.tv platform. Read that again. 35 million minutes of viewing. Hundreds of thousands of people from 53 countries. From online subscribers to folks who watch our free content, what we’ve been able to do is share our music with more people. Unprecedented accessibility to the SSO has changed us forever.

This season, we’ve been the lucky ones to experience some of the most sensational performances Saskatoon has ever enjoyed. Whether you danced the night away at the Music of ABBA, laughed with the Muppets, were filled with joy at Handel’s Messiah, or had your breath taken away by Jan Lisiecki, I know you’ll agree that this season has felt like a golden age.

The crowds have been incredible. Multiple sell-out concerts and full houses have left us feeling the love! Nothing beats the thrill of hearing the roar of the crowd. It’s been a season celebrating the exceptional talent that Saskatoon has to offer. With artistic partners like Ryan Davis and Danika Lorèn and performances with the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra, the SSO Chorus, the Greystone Singers, and Aurora Voce…those have been special moments that show this organization and community at its best.

Then there’s been the profound performances from your SSO musicians. The orchestra, time and time again this season, have stepped up and shown how much a symphony can mean to its community. Whether lifting up homegrown talent, helping toddlers experience the joy of music, or performing alongside a legitimate musical superstar, the musicians of your orchestra have made us all proud.

It goes without saying that an orchestra needs its audience, I actually believe that the reverse is more true. The audience needs its orchestra. What an exciting thing to be able to go to a concert (or watch it on your phone!) and experience the thrill of an orchestra in full flight. It makes our community a better place to call home.

The multiplier effect of an orchestra is astonishing. Our musicians teach, mentor, and inspire students. Those students go on to be people who understand hard work, goal setting, perseverance, and the joy of complex music. The musicians on stage have influenced the lives of countless people across our province.

Our concerts change minds, burst with emotions and imagination, and lift us up out of day-to-day life.
From a child hearing the violin for the first time, to students in schools learning about the importance of living composers, to long-time subscribers hearing new sounds and falling in love with music all over again – the outcome is remarkable.

Orchestras are living, breathing, vital artistic beings that have an exponential impact in their communities. I cannot imagine Saskatoon, and indeed Saskatchewan, without their orchestras.

This season isn’t without its challenges. The prairies are experiencing a crippling arts funding crisis. The value of music is shrinking in our education system, as it’s easy to ignore the continually growing body of evidence that musical literacy is crucial to a complete education and a student’s success. All arts organizations are feeling the deep effects and challenges of inflation. It’s hard work, and it’s worth it.

The SSO has come a long way – we’re not done. We’re focused on a robust future for music in Saskatoon, one that is filled with passion, innovation, and an ambitious plan for musical opportunities and accessibility.

In the weeks ahead we have a fundraising campaign to finish. Our Opus 100: Share in the Future campaign crossed its first matching goal in December, and then the generosity of the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation shone through and extended our matching to a goal of $500,000. To date, we’ve raised over $350,000 – giving us six more weeks to raise another $150,000 to meet our goal.

I’ll come back to blogging to share my passion for the SSO, because it’s important for us to take stock of how much the SSO means and remind you how fiercely proud we should be.

See you at the symphony – soon,
Mark Turner
CEO and Creative Producer

Make a Donation

Sibelius’ First Symphony

Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39, is a landmark work in the history of classical music and a testament to the composer’s skill and artistic vision. Composed between 1895 and 1899, the symphony is a masterpiece of Romantic orchestral music and is widely regarded as one of Sibelius’s greatest works.

The first movement of the symphony is marked by its sweeping melodies and dramatic contrasts, with the orchestral sections alternating between lush and powerful moments and more introspective and lyrical passages. The second movement is a scherzo, characterized by its playful and energetic rhythm, with the strings and woodwinds weaving intricate patterns over a driving rhythm in the percussion section.

The third movement is a slow and contemplative adagio, characterized by its beautiful and expressive melodies. Sibelius creates a sense of stillness and introspection with delicate, sustained strings, and soft, atmospheric woodwinds. The movement builds to a climax before resolving in a peaceful and serene coda.

The final movement is a triumphant and celebratory allegro, with the full orchestra building to a rousing conclusion. Sibelius creates a sense of excitement and energy with driving rhythms and powerful brass and percussion, culminating in a triumphant and joyful finish that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.

Throughout the symphony, Sibelius demonstrates his mastery of orchestration, creating a rich and vibrant sound that is uniquely his own. He also draws on the musical traditions of his native Finland, incorporating folk melodies and rhythms into his music to create a distinctive and personal style.

Sibelius’s Symphony No. 1 is a landmark work that continues to be widely performed and recorded to this day. Its sweeping melodies, dynamic contrasts, and emotional depth make it one of the greatest symphonies of the Romantic era, and a testament to Sibelius’s skill as a composer and his contribution to music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this symphony is sure to leave a lasting impression and is highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of music.

*image at the top of the page an internal photograph of the Sibelius Wind Pipe Organ

Christmas Ice Lanterns

This wonderful holiday idea came to us a few seasons ago and we think it still deserves you taking time to give it a try:

We last made them to line the walkway up to St. John’s Cathedral. They act as guidance towards the front door and also as a beautiful, warm decoration.

This holiday season feels like the perfect time to bring back this Christmas DIY decoration.

We love it so much we thought that you should try it at home to give your yard a magical glow for the holidays as well.

What you’ll need:

balloons
tap water
a cold night
water proof LED lights – like these or something similar.

This is something so easy, anyone can do it!

Essentially, make a bunch of water balloons – just big enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Pick a nice cold night, and put your balloons out in a snow bank for the night.

Now take your waterproof led lights (warm white for the effect we got) and decide how you want to place them in the snow. Remove the ice globes from the balloons and place one on top of each waterproof light. It’s as simple as that!

It’s easy – and it’s downright magical!

McKenzie Warriner, soprano

McKenzie Warriner is a Saskatchewan born and raised soprano bringing
music and text to life in works ranging from 17 th century opera to the
cutting-edge. In the 22/23 season, McKenzie is honoured to be a
Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist with Vancouver Opera, where she will
sing the role of Aurore in Le portrait de Manon, as well as understudy
Leïla in Les pêcheurs de perles and Tytania in A Midsummer Night’s
Dream. She is also excited to make her United Kingdom debut at the
2023 Aldeburgh Festival premiering new works as a Britten Pears
Young Artist. Recent credits include Abigail Richardson-Schulte’s
Alligator Pie with the Regina Symphony Orchestra, Bessie Brent in The
Shop Girl (COSA Canada), Madame Herz in Der Schauspieldirektor
(Eastman Opera Theatre), and Gretel in Hansel and Gretel (University
of Manitoba). Passionate about contemporary music, McKenzie co-
founded Slow Rise Music in 2021, a concert series devoted to creating
bold new vocal works. McKenzie earned her Master of Music degree
from the Eastman School of Music and her Bachelor of Music degree
from the University of Manitoba.

Brenden Friesen, bass

Saskatchewan born bass Brenden Friesen has captured audiences with his powerful resonance, exceptional diction, enormous comedic presence, and incredible interpretation of text (Opera Canada). Brenden is a recent graduate of the esteemed L’Atelier lyrique young artist program at l’Opéra de Montréal. His studies include a Bachelor of Arts in Voice Performance from Briercrest College while studying with Dr. Ron de Jager, followed by completing University of Toronto’s MMus Opera degree while studying with Professor Lorna MacDonald. Brenden is now a current student of Ariane Girard in Montréal, Québec.

After debuting with Opéra de Montréal in 2018 with Verdi’s Rigoletto as Count Ceprano under the baton of Maestro Carlo Montanaro, he has since performed notable roles such as Colline in Puccini’s La bohème with both Saskatoon Opera (2018) and Highlands Opera Studio (2018), Ernest Hemingway in Ricky Ian Gordon’s Canadian debut of 27 (2019), Truffaldino in Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos (HOS2019), and Zaretski in Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece Eugene Onegin (Opéra de Montréal 2019). Brenden has also undertaken such roles as Sarastro in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (2018), Leporello and Il Commendatore (UofT Opera), and Masetto (Saskatoon Opera 2017) in Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

Duff Warkentin, conductor

Duff Warkentin has been a choral conductor and clinician for many years. His formal post-secondary education was at Canadian Mennonite Bible College in Winnipeg, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Regina. He has conducted children’s choirs, high school choirs, church choirs, university choirs, and community choirs. He has sung under the direction of noted conductors such as Robert Shaw, George Wiebe, Helmut Rilling, John Martens, Elmer Iseler, Wayne Riddell, Jon Washburn, and Bramwell Tovey. He has prepared and conducted many of the Requiems, Masses, oratorios, and other larger works in the standard repertoire. Two particular choral experiences stand out for him. He conducted the Station Singers of Rosthern, a non-auditioned community choir, since its inception in 2000. That choir discontinued at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this summer the decision was made to end the choir. It was a difficult decision, arrived at after considering a number of factors. He was honoured to conduct this wonderful choir. He also conducted a Warkentin family choir at their triennial family reunion. This experience too is one that is tremendously important and meaningful to him. The commonality between these two experiences is that both groups were, and are, amateur choirs, in the truest sense of the word. Singing for the sheer love of music and singing together, creating together what we cannot create alone, recognizing that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, building community through music, through singing together – this is what inspires and energizes Duff Warkentin, and he is thrilled to be able to participate in Handel’s Messiah again!