opus 100 – Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra

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:

Opus 100

See you at the symphony!

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.

See what’s coming up with your orchestra here:

Check it Out!

See you at the symphony!

Approaching Our 100th Year

TCU Place – SSO History

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