SSO’s Brahms Requiem a toast to frontline workers & new beginnings
When you ask Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Mark Turner how music normally reserved for funerals can be a thank you, he doesn’t hold back.
“It reminds us that after great sadness there is new life and new beginnings.”
“I think we can all agree that our world has been a dark and complicated place over the last few months, and it could get darker, but this is a story of healing.” Turner explains “Brahms’ Requiem is a piece that takes us from dark to light. It reminds us that after great sadness there is new life and new beginnings.”
Friesen, originally from Dalmeny, is returning home to take part in the show. (Atelier Headshots)
The performance of Brahms’ Requiem the orchestra will feature the full orchestra joined by Saskatchewan – born soloists Brenden Friesen (bass-baritone) and Emma Johnson
Soprano Emma Johnson says she can’t wait to make her debut on the TCU Place stage with the SSO. (Matte Black Photos)
(soprano) as well as the Greystone Singers and the Aurora Voce choir. The SSO is dedicating the performance to the frontline and healthcare workers, doctors and musicians who’ve faced the pandemic head-on during the past two years. This concert will uplift the audience.
It’s a love for the audience and the community that has kept Maestro Eric Paetkau going. He announced this week that after seven years on the podium, this season will be his last.
“I’ve formed such a bond with this city and its people and that’s what I’ll always cherish.”
Eric Paetkau was announced as the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s 16th Music Director on March 4th, 2015 in Saskatoon, SK. Photo: Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as an organization over the years and how we’ve been an innovative force in the Canadian music scene,” says Paetkau. “The SSO is in great hands with its leadership and musicians and that makes it a good time to hand over the reins. I’ve formed such a bond with this city and its people and that’s what I’ll always cherish.”
Brahms’ Requiem, also known as the German Requiem, is a big, warm hug for the audience.
“The first and last word in the text of this piece is ‘blessed’ and that’s really it in a nutshell,” explains Paetkau. “The rich, romantic music is about turning mourning into something brighter and it offers hope for the future.”
Turner agrees.
“We are all questioning our lives and our future right now, where do we go from here?” He says, “We are so lucky to be where we are and doing what we love. We are coming through significant challenges, keeping each other safe, coming out stronger.”
This performance will also be available digitally on the SSO’s ConcertStream.tv site.
Brahms Requiem
Saturday March 12
TCU Place
Tickets $36 – $80
ConcertStream.tv
Tickets $20 – $50
For more information and to purchase tickets, follow this link.
