sso Eric Paetkau Music Director
2016 – 2017 Season Brochure A new perspective.
4 series, 26 concerts, children’s programs, and more. Subscribe Today.
saskatoon symphony orchestra
MUSIC DIRECTOR ERIC PAETKAU 2
It’s hard to believe it has already been a year. The SSO and I have had a full season to build our relationship, work extremely hard, and perform some extraordinary concerts. Acquainting myself with the individuals that make up the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra has been a rewarding opportunity—personally and musically. It has been a thrill for me to create musical moments of magic with these incredible musicians. My and the organization’s vision of making this great orchestra not only a notable representative of the city of Saskatoon and its vibrant community, but a leading Canadian orchestra, is right on track. As we move forward, our true prairie voice only gets better. Next season features exceptional and internationally renowned soloists, new Canadian works, big orchestral favourites, and the
much beloved Pops series continues. Along with our symphonic programming, we are introducing even more with the addition of a new series of historically informed baroque concerts. Continuing on our journey of exceptional artistic quality, we proudly embrace our unique community, and emphatically proclaim, “this is who we are!” Join us for the 2016–2017 season where you will experience music and performance that will captivate your every emotion—from pure joy to a profundity that shakes the very depths of your soul. The experiences and emotions of next season’s concerts are intended to delight and awe you, our audience. The SSO—fresh, innovative and proudly yours. I look forward to sharing the excitement with you!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARK TURNER
across Canada have already taken note of what’s happening in Saskatoon. With our new season, we have set out to change what our orchestra can achieve. We want to bring our audience music they haven’t heard in decades alongside new music they need to hear. We want to create artistic opportunities for all musicians with Saskatchewan roots, and that will always be a priority for us. We are launching two additional series. One will breathe new life into baroque music and and the other, After Dark, will experiment with the definition of a concert. New musical partnerships, new projects, new sounds, new perspectives—these are essential to the SSO and what we can do. Join us for incredible live music this season.
masters series
In my first month at the SSO, a prominent magazine published an article saying that classical music was dead. There are many people who delight in saying that orchestras are old fashioned and headed the way of the dodo. It had somehow become hip to hate on composed music. I had people tell me that the SSO was a lost cause. So, two years ago, we set out to prove all those people wrong. With sold out concerts, more and more subscribers all the time, innovative events and musical experiences, brilliant guest artists, a young audience, and an orchestra that just keeps getting better and better…. I think we’ve made our point. Classical music is not only alive and well in our city, it’s flourishing and making an impact. Eric and I share the vision that our orchestra be a leader artistically and creatively, and we’re proud that people
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Chopin Concerto for Piano № 2
SEASON CALENDAR
Sep 17, 2016t
september
january
Sep 17, 2016
Jan 22, 2017
Sep 25, 2016
Jan 28, 2017
MASTERS I Chopin Concerto for Piano № 2
CHAMBER II Music of Mozart
MASTERS III Mozart Festival
CHAMBER I Influencers of Mozart
october
february Oct 15, 2016
Feb 25, 2017
POPS I On Broadway
Oct 28, 2016
MASTERS IV Sibelius № 5
march
BAROQUE I Bach's Cantata 140
Mar 11, 2017
POPS III Careless Whisper
november
Mar 25, 2017
Nov 19, 2016
MASTERS V Ukrainian Oratorio
MASTERS II Stravinsky’s Firebird
december
Mar 31, 2017
BAROQUE III The Coronation Mass
Dec 3, 2016
POPS II Christmas with the SSO
april
Dec 9, 2016
Apr 22, 2017
Dec 10, 2016
Apr 30, 2017
POPS IV Star Wars
BAROQUE II Messiah (Performance)
CHAMBER III Influenced by Mozart
BAROQUE II Messiah (sing-along)
For complete program listings and information visit www. saskatoonsymphony.org
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may May 13, 2017 MASTERS VI O, Canada!
mas ters MASTERS II Stravinsky’s Firebird
Sep 17, 2016
Nov 19, 2016
MASTERS IV Sibelius № 5
MASTERS V Ukrainian Oratorio
Feb 25, 2017
MASTERS III Mozart Festival Jan 28, 2017
masters series
MASTERS I Chopin Concerto for Piano № 2
MASTERS VI O, Canada! May 13, 2017
Mar 25, 2017
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CHARLES RICHARD-HAMELIN
masters series
17 SEP 2016
chopin concerto nº2 A STANILAND* Voyageur F CHOPIN Concerto for Piano № 2 in F Op 21 Lv BEETHOVEN Symphony № 7 in A Major Op 92 ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR CHARLES RICHARD-HAMELIN PIANO
An opening night of epic proportions. At the 2015 edition of the International Chopin Competition, Charles Richard-Hamelin became the first Canadian to be named a laureate at the famed competition. Since then, he has skyrocketed to stardom, and now he brings his masterful and award-winning Chopin to the SSO. In our 86th season, we celebrate the work of Canadian composers like Andrew Staniland, whose work Voyageur
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is the perfect fanfare to an exceptional season. Maestro Eric Paetkau will lead the SSO musicians through Beethoven’s seventh symphony, which audiences fell in love with all over again in the movie The King’s Speech. * denotes Canadian composer
THOMAS YU
GODWIN FRIESEN
stravinsky’s firebird
masters series
19 NOV 2016
M RAVEL Mother Goose Suite C SAINT-SAËNS The Carnival of the Animals I STRAVINSKY The Firebird Suite (1919) ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR GODWIN FRIESEN PIANO THOMAS YU PIANO
Some stories never grow old. Storytelling plays a big role in this concert featuring a homegrown piano duo. Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite features vignettes of childhood fairytales in an orchestration that shows off the French master’s understanding of orchestral colours. In 2015, Saskatoon pianists Godwin Friesen and Thomas Yu each made a very big impression on the national music scene. Thomas returns to the SSO
since being named CBC’s first Piano Hero. Godwin placed first at the National Music Festival finals in 2015 and now studies at the prestigious Glenn Gould School of Music. This two-piano work is a wonderful trip to the zoo. Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite is considered to be a central work of orchestral repertoire. The composer’s 1919 setting of the work will be a musical high point of the season.
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TIMOTHY CHOOI
masters series
28 JAN 2017
mozart festival WA MOZART Overture to The Magic Flute A WEBERN German Dances, After Schubert D820 WA MOZART Concerto for Violin Nº 5 in A Major, K. 219 WA MOZART Symphony № 41 in C Major, K. 551 “Jupiter” ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR TIMOTHY CHOOI VIOLIN
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Mozart’s music is timeless. The SSO is proud to work with our local musical community to present a week-long celebration of the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart that concludes with this concert. Timothy Chooi has been gaining fame around the world for his brilliant violin technique and beautiful sound. It takes a special violinist to play the concertos of Mozart, and it’s time for Saskatoon to find out why the younger Chooi brother
is called “le miracle.” Mozart’s last symphony stands as one of the greatest works of the repertoire and Eric Paetkau will masterfully take the SSO on a wonderful musical journey to Mozart’s "Jupiter".
JONATHAN CROW
sibelius symphony nº 5
masters series
25 FEB 2017
J MASSENET Valse Très Lent J BRAHMS Concerto for Violin in D Major, Op 77 J SIBELIUS Symphony № 5 in E Flat Major, Op 82 ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR JONATHAN CROW VIOLIN
Big debuts and grand returns. It has been far too long since Saskatoon audiences have heard Brahms’ violin concerto. When the SSO decided to bring it back to the stage for the first time in over two decades, we wanted to make it a special performance. We knew we had to have Canadian violin superstar Jonathan Crow to bring this Brahms to life. Crow is one of the most highly respected musicians in the country and this performance marks his
first time with Saskatoon’s orchestra. Sibelius’ music captures the freshness and steadfast emotions of the north. His fifth symphony brings you to the shores of Finland and lets you stare directly into the sea. The composer himself said he wanted to create something “more vivid.”
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CARISSA KLOPOUSHAK
masters series
25 MAR 2017
ukrainian oratorio L KUZMENKO* The Golden Harvest M OESTERLE* Unreasonable World P TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony № 2 in C Minor, Op 17 ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR CARISSA KLOPOUSHAK VIOLIN KATERYNA KHARTOVA SOPRANO JOEL ALLISON BASS-BARITONE U OF S CHORUS & GREYSTONE SINGERS DR. JENNIFER LANG CONDUCTOR
Ukrainian immigration 125th anniversary The SSO is proud to be one of five orchestras perfroming Canadian composer Larysa Kuzmenko's incredible new work that has a deep meaning to the cultural landscape of the prairies. The performance features Saskatoon’s own Kateryna Khartova in her orchestral debut.
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Violinist Carissa Klopoushak grew up playing in the SSO, and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome her back for her SSO solo debut. A violinist known for her fearless playing of expressive new music, Carissa will perform a Canadian concerto work for violin and orchestra. Ukrainian folk music played a central role in many of Tchaikovsky’s great works, none more poignantly than his second symphony. The work shows his clear love for the Ukrainian people and his Ukrainian family roots. * denotes Canadian composer
BRYAN ALLEN
masters series
13 MAY 2017
o, canada! J OLIVER* Raven Steals the Light V HO* The Shaman, Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra J BURGE* Four Seasons of the Canadian Flag ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR BRYAN ALLEN PERCUSSION
Happy birthday, Canada! The SSO has a passion for Canadian music, but with our nation celebrating its 150th birthday, it was essential to bring three great Canadian works to our stage for the first time. From the time the earth was covered in darkness comes composer John Oliver's work exploring the story of a mischievous raven who tricked an old man and brought light to the world. In 2011, composer Vincent Ho was so inspired by indigenous stories of the
shaman, as well as percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie that he wrote a mystical concerto just for her. For the first time ever, the work will be played by someone other than Glennie: the SSO's very own Bryan Allen, one of the finest percussionists in the country. John Burge’s new Four Seasons showcases the diversity of a nation whose future is as rich as its heritage, strong and free. * denotes Canadian composer
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pops series
p pops p s
POPS I On Broadway Fireside Singsers
POPS II Christmas with the SSO
POPS III Careless Whisper
Oct 15, 2016
Dec 3, 2016
Mar 11, 2017
POPS IV Star Wars Apr 22, 2017
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s
ON BROADWAY WITH FIRESIDE SINGERS pops series
15 OCT 2016
on broadway Les Misérables Phantom of the Opera The Sound of Music, and more ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR MARILYN WHITEHEAD FIRESIDE SINGERS CONDUCTOR & FOUNDER FIRESIDE SINGERS
For more than 40 years, Saskatoon’s Fireside Singers have brought beautiful music to our city; whether at their annual Christmas performances or through their musicals, the group has established themselves as one of Canada’s premier choirs. The collaboration between the SSO and Fireside Singers promises a concert that goes where the lights are bright.
The evening features music from beloved musicals Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Carousel, and many, many more!
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THE GRINCH
pops series
3 DEC 2016
christmas with the sso MUSIC FROM A Charlie Brown Christmas How the Grinch Stole Christmas ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR
It's just not Christmas in Saskatoon without the SSO, and this year we’re going to Whoville! Dr. Seuss’ beloved Christmas classic comes to life with your symphony orchestra. The music of the classic movie includes Welcome Christmas and You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. Re-live your childhood memories or create new ones with your kids with
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your favourites from the Grinch and Charlie Brown. And it wouldn’t be Christmas at the SSO without Christmas Festival and Sleigh Ride. Join your orchestra and some very special guests for this holiday musical treat.
THE SSO DOES THE ‘80s
careless whisper
pops series
11 MAR 2017
HITS FROM THE ‘80s INCLUDING Prince, the Go-Gos, Eurythmics, George Michael JEANS ‘N CLASSICS MELANIE LEONARD CONDUCTOR
Jeans ‘n Classics returns to the SSO with big hair, neon headbands, and parachute pants. Go back in musical time to a decade where everybody knew your name, Rose bored you with stories of St. Olaf, and a Carebear stare would fix it all! The SSO cannot wait to get down with the music of Prince, Eurythmics, and the Go-Gos. So, "wake me up before you gogo" and "Walk Like an Egyptian:" we've got it and we want all the yuppies to come get
rad. The early '80s matched and even surpassed the '60s for new bands, sounds and most of all fabulous songs. New music was everywhere and radio again was king. In this tribute to that era we are thrilled to present the music of Tears For Fears, The Bangles, George Michael, Prince, Heart, Bananarama, The B-52s, Cindy Lauper and many more.
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STAR WARS MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS pops series
22 APR 2017
music of john williams MUSIC FROM A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back Return of the Jedi, and some surprises ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR SASKATOON YOUTH ORCHESTRA
At the 40th anniversary of the first Star Wars movie, A New Hope, the SSO celebrates the music of one of the most significant musical minds of the 20th and 21st centuries. John Williams is a prolific and one of the most recognizable film composers, including Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Jaws, among many more. The scores for each Star Wars movie showcase not only the pinnacle of movie scoring, but also the creative output of one of the greatest
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orchestral composers in history. The evening features the music from each of the seven Star Wars movies, so come in costume of your favourite series character. Plus, there may be a few other great movie references thrown in for good measure!
FEATURING THE SSO’S CORE MUSICIANS
CHA BE
et cetera
SUNDAY CHAMBER I Influencers of Mozart Sep 25, 2016, 2pm
SUNDAY CHAMBER II Music of Mozart Jan 22, 2017, 2pm
SUNDAY CHAMBER III Influenced by Mozart Apr 30, 2017, 2pm
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NEW
BAROQUE SERIES Baroque has never sounded so good in Saskatoon. The SSO Chamber Orchestra made its triumphant return last season and now we're thrilled to bring this effervescent music to our audience
in three great concerts. That incredible baroque sound and incredible guests: don't miss your chance to hear this music as it was meant to be played.
I BACH'S CANTATA 140 7:30PM FRI, OCT 28, 2016
KNOX UNITED CHURCH
et cetera et cetera
BACH Cantata BWV 140 “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” BACH Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 HANDEL “Let thy hand be strengthened”, Coronation Athem MORLOCK* Solace ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR JULIA WEDMAN VIOLIN CHELSEA MAHAN SOPRANO SPENCER MCKNIGHT TENOR SASKATOON SYMPHONY CHORUS DUFF WARKENTIN CONDUCTOR
II HANDEL’S MESSIAH SEE NEXT PAGE
III THE CORONATION MASS 7:30PM FRI, MAR 31, 2017
KNOX UNITED CHURCH
GILLILAND* Concerto for Oboe, Strings, and Harpsichord CPE BACH Symphony in Eb, Wq 179, H.654 HANDEL Concerto Grosso, Op 6 № 1 MOZART Coronation Mass, in C major K. 317 ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR ERIN BROPHEY OBOE
I BACH'S CANTATA 140 Julia Wedman grew up playing with the SSO before going on to play and solo with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, one of the greatest baroque orchestras in the world. This concert marks a return home and an SSO solo debut for Julia. Bach’s “Wachet Auf” features some of the best loved music ever written. We are thrilled to bring this music to our audience with the SSO Chorus.
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III CORONATION MASS One of Mozart’s most beautiful choral works will surely be a perfect way to start your spring. Composed in 1779 in Salzburg, the work remains as stunning today as the day it was first performed. Canadian composer Allan Gilliland’s delightful oboe concerto in the baroque-style is one of the most charming works of the entire season. We are proud to feature SSO Principal Oboist, Erin Brophey, for this exquisite Canadian concerto.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
et cetera
KNOX UNITED CHURCH
* At last season’s sell-out performance, many proclaimed that this was the greatest Messiah Saskatoon had ever seen, but we are intending to set the bar even higher this time around. Baroque tempi, bowings, and ornaments: this is how Handel should be heard.
7:30PM
FRI, DEC 9, 2016
2:00PM
SAT, DEC 10, 2016 * sing-along version
ERIC PAETKAU MUSIC DIRECTOR DANIKA LOREN SOPRANO LISA HORNUNG ALTO SPENCER MCKNIGHT TENOR MATTHEW PAULS BASS SASKATOON SYMPHONY CHORUS DUFF WARKENTIN CONDUCTOR
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TIME FOR TODDLERS
et cetera We invite all future music lovers—ages two to four—to move, imagine, listen, and explore classical music. Thanks to the support of Federated Co-operatives Ltd, the SSO is excited to expand our early childhood educational music concerts to four events and with multiple performances of each! This pro-
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gram is designed with young children in mind and for sharing the joy of live music. Performances Oct 5, Nov 30, Mar 8, May 17
AFTER DARK
et cetera
The SSO gets experimental after dark. This concert series pushes the boundaries of what a concert could be: surround the musicians, sip on cocktails, mix and mingle, play pub trivia. Most importantly, hear
music you’ve never heard before in a setting unlike any other. But, keep your ears and eyes open: these pop up concerts are short notice and bound to sell out!
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Leave them behind TD ACCESS 25 BELOW Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra tickets just $15*
* Offer available to those 25 years old and younger at the TCU Place box office on the day of the concert with ID. For more information visit 22 saskatoonsymphony.org/td-access-25-below
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!
TUE & WED FEB 21 & 22, 2017
LISIECKI ENCORE
et cetera After his triumphant SSO debut, renowned pianist Jan Lisiecki makes a stop in town while on a recital tour of Canada. Solo recital works to include the music of Bach, Schubert, and more.
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"He may be young but Jan Lisiecki plays like a legend." - ClassicFM Tickets on sale August 1st to SSO Subscribers, general public Sept 1st. Convocation Hall—seating is limited.
MIDWINTER MOZART
et cetera
The SSO is teaming up with musicians across the city to present its first Midwinter Music Festival. Break free from the chill of January with a week-long celebration of the music of Mozart. The week begins with the Sunday Chamber music of Mo-
zart, and culminates with our third Masters Series featuring acclaimed violinist Timothy Chooi. During the week experience lectures, open rehearsals, concerts, and a very special recital. Watch for all the details this fall!
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SUBSCRIBING MAKES SENSE
SUBSCRIPTIONS Seating Plan Sid Buckwold Theatre, TCU Place
ORCHESTRA PIT BB
F
E
D
B C
A
SECTION A
BB
A
B
C
D
E
F G H
H
J
J L
K
K
L M
SECTION B
N P Q R S T U V W X Y
subscriptions
C
N P Q R S T U V W X Y
SECTION B
SECTION C
Z
SECOND BALCONY LEFT BOXES
MAIN FLOOR FRONT
G
M
Seating for all other venues for the 2016–2017 season is on a rush seating basis. Arrive early for best selection of seats.
AA
Z
A B
A B
SECTION D
D E
D
C
A B
E
A
SECTION E
C D
GRAND CIRCLE
B C
SECOND BALCONY RIGHT BOXES
Sec. A Main Floor, A – G Sec. B Main Floor, H – S Sec. C Main Floor, T – Z Sec. D Grand Circle Sec. E Second Balcony
AA
D
SECOND BALCONY
Third balcony will be opened as needed. No subscriptions.
Complete the enclosed form, download a copy from saskatoonsymphony.org or contact the SSO office to subscribe. Save up to 20% until May 31 or up to 10% until August 31 off regular ticket prices. Renewing patrons can keep their same seats if renewed by May 31.
• Guaranteed reserved seating at TCU Place concerts • Ticket exchanges (see policy at saskatoonsymphony.org) • Replacement of lost tickets • Ticket return for a charitable tax receipt (returned to SSO 7 days in advance; see policy at saskatoonsymphony.org) • Invitations to special events and first notification of news and announcements.
All subscribers receive:
MASTERS SERIES 2-FOR-1 OFFER If you’ve never subscribed to the Masters series before, you can get 2 subscriptions for the price of one! Buy one full-price subscription and receive a second one on us.
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Seating assigned in area of your choice, if available. Not available in Grand Circle, only available until May 31, 2016. Please note: TCU Place Box Office charges are payable on both subscriptions.
Subscribe by May 31, 2016 for early-bird savings!
PATRONS CLUB
subscriptions
Join the club and add some extra panache to your night out at the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. …a glass of wine waiting for you at intermission, delectable finger food, a chance to join guest artists, and other supportive patrons backstage in the Yuel Green Room. If you’re a subscriber who also donates to the orchestra annually, it’s time for you to enjoy the benefits of our new Patrons’ Club. Our goal is to enhance the concert experience—to make your night out at the symphony an even more special event! For your donation of $2600, you’ll receive two seats for all Masters and Pops Series performances and exclusive access to the private Patrons’ Club lounge. Do you attend more than just main stage concerts? Our new “I want it all” package includes two tickets for every series concert of the season.
PARTNERS IN PERFORMANCE A new way for businesses to support the SSO. It’s Patrons Club with serious guest privileges and market exposure. With tickets to concerts and patrons lounge access, you can entertain clients, customers, colleagues, and friends at the concert events that work for you. Promotional benefits can be tailored to your sponsorship and organizational goals. Raise your community profile and enrich the lives of the residents of our city and region.
Our Director of Development is happy to orchestrate your SSO experience! Contact Angela at (306) 665 6414 for more information on Patrons Club and Partners in Performance.
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masters series
www.saskatoonsymphony.org/donate