Sarah Yunji Moon will make her final performance as the SSO’s principle flutist this Saturday. (Julie Isaac Photography)

“My experience with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra has taught me so much more about who I am as a musician and how to give back to the community.”

Sarah Yunji Moon becomes nostalgic when you ask her about the years she’s spent here in Saskatoon.

“When I first came to the city, I was worried about the weather and living in a smaller community but I quickly fell in love with the support the orchestra gets from the audience,” says Moon. “There’s no barrier between the performer and the audience. People here are very friendly and approachable.”

In a few short years, Moon has become a fan favourite.

“She’s a breath of fresh air,” says Executive Director Mark Turner. “Sarah has a distinct energy and excitement in her playing that is really captivating.”

Moon will take her final bow with the SSO stage with a performance of Departures, Concerto for Flute by Christos Hatzis on Saturday. “It’s kind of funny, we didn’t know I was going to be leaving the orchestra when the piece was programmed,” says Moon. “When I took the job at Queen’s University, I had a nice chuckle about it.”

The show, Beethoven’s Eroica will also feature a performance Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major, Op. 55 as well as his Contradances WoO. 14. This music is widely considered to be the composer’s best work.

“It was such a massive, revolutionary departure from anything ever written before,” says Turner. “It’s the championing of the greatness of mankind, a monumental and forceful piece.”

This performance will also mark a chance for the audience to give back to the SSO by taking part in its Share in the Future campaign. Until May 31^st, all donations made to the symphony will be matched by the Remai Foundation. The money will be used to expand educational programming and help attract high-quality musicians to Saskatoon. A legacy Moon says is important to protect.

“For me, being a part of this orchestra has been a satisfying experience that you simply wouldn’t get in a larger orchestra or a larger city,” says Moon. “It’s going to be difficult to say goodbye.”

 

Beethoven’s Eroica

feat. Sarah Yunji Moon

Saturday April 27, 2019

7:30 p.m.

TCU Place

Tickets: $34 – $73

saskatoonsymphony.org