Robert Franz, conductor
Timothy McAllister, saxophone
Whimsical Concerto of Fanciful Birds: Concerto for Saxophone, Orchestra, and Spatialized Saxophone Ensemble – Vincent Ho
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45 – Sergei Rachmaninoff
Scroll down to read the full program. You can click here to download an abridged print-at-home version.
Maestro Robert Franz joins the SSO for a sensational night featuring Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances.
The concert marks the world premiere of a brand-new concerto by Vincent Ho. This SSO commission, years in the making, showcases world-renowned saxophonist Timothy McAllister centre stage.
Find out what’s happening with your Orchestra!
Live stream this performance on ConcertStream.tv
A digital ticket gives you 24-hour access to the stream for $21
Supporter tickets can be purchased for $39
SSO Streaming Subscription gives you unlimited access to live streams and concert films on demand
Support your orchestra by donating today!
The Program
Rachmaninoff Dances
Robert Franz, conductor
Timothy McAllister, saxophone
Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
Whimsical Concerto of Fanciful Birds: Concerto for Saxophone, Orchestra, and Spatialized Saxophone Ensemble
I. Enchanted Migrations
II. Angels and Mockingbirds
III. Urban Birds
Vincent Ho
The Spatialized Saxophone Ensemble includes Gerard Weber, Troy Linsley, Glen Gillis, Ricardo Martin, Sarah Suchan, & Nathan Degenhart.
~Intermission~
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
I. Non Allegro
II. Andante con moto. Tempo di Valse
III. Lento assai – Allegro vivace
Sergei Rachmaninoff
The Artists
Robert Franz, conductor
Acclaimed conductor Robert Franz, recognized as “an outstanding musician with profound intelligence,” has held to three core principles throughout his career; a commitment to the highest artistic standards, to creating…
Timothy McAllister, saxophone
Today’s most celebrated classical saxophonist, TIMOTHY McALLISTER is hailed as “a virtuoso…one of the foremost saxophonists of his generation” (The New York Times), an “exemplary soloist” (Gramophone Magazine), and “a…
Click here to read about your Orchestra!
This concert also includes:
Violin – Evan Barber, Monica Martin, Cherie Jarock, Sofia Mycyk
Flute – Jennifer McAllister
Oboe – Carl Hofmeister, Tyrell Hardlotte
Clarinet – Alyssa Thompson
Bassoon – Jonathan Tait
Saxophone – Gerard Weber, Troy Linsley, Glen Gillis, Ricardo Martin, Sarah Suchan, Nathan Degenhart
Horn – Stacey Mortenson-Spokes
Trumpet – Dean McNeill
Trombone – Spencer Krips, Tiess McKenzie
Percussion – Andra Wist, Will Martin
Harp – Keri Zwicker
Keyboard – Michelle Aalders
Special Thanks
Thanks to the Saskatoon Concert Band for the use of their crotales.
Program Notes
Dr. Christy Morrissey
About Christy Morrissey and her research on birds… Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962) was the first to sound the alarm about the dangers of over-reliance on toxic chemicals that can…
Music Talk – Rachmaninoff Dances
Ahead of our concert Rachmaninoff Dances we had a special music talk at Dervilia art + design with conductor Robert Franz, composer Vincent Ho, and CEO Mark Turner.
Vincent Ho, composer
Vincent Ho is a multi-award winning composer of orchestral, chamber, vocal, and theatre music. His works have been described as “brilliant and compelling” by The New York Times and hailed…
The Angel and the Mockingbird
The basis of the 2nd movement of Vincent Ho’s concerto Whimsical Concerto of Fanciful Birds is a piece called The Angel and the Mockingbird. Ho sent us a recording created…
Whimsical Concerto of Fanciful Birds
Cover image from Vincent Ho’s concerto sketches Whimsical Concerto of Fanciful Birds: I. Enchanted Migrations II. Angels and Mockingbirds III. Urban Birds This concerto represents the culmination of my years…
Sing Choirs of Angels
Saskatoon Children’s Choir presents their annual Christmas Concert on December 1st and 2nd at Knox United Church. Head to tickets.saskatoonchildrenschoir.org to reserve your seats today.
Sergei Rachmaninoff, composer
Legendary Russian-American composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff left Russia after the Communist revolution of 1917. He was born on April 2, 1873, on a big estate near Novgorod, Russia. From…
Join us at the Hub
The concert ends, you exit TCU Place, and you’re still brimming with excitement after such a fabulous evening. Where to next? Cross the street and join us over at the…
What’s happening at the Bassment
The Bassment is one of Canada’s premier jazz clubs and provides musicians of all skill levels a venue to showcase their talents in front of a live audience while accessing…
