Miller returns home to open SSO season with friends

She’s commanded podiums all over the world but Tania Miller says there’s nothing that tops returning home to perform with friends.

“This is the place that my dream to be a conductor began,” says Miller. “I went to school at the University of Saskatchewan. The artists here were my first colleagues and mentors.”

Tania Miller will lead the SSO in season opening performance of Enigma. (Julie Isaac Photography)

Miller is excited to open the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s 94th season at TCU Place. It’s one more stop along a whirlwind career path for Miller who grew up in Foam Lake. She was the first female music director of a major Canadian orchestra in Victoria, has guest conducted in Warsaw, South Korea, and Chicago, just to name a few. Most recently, Miller became the new artistic director and conductor of Hamilton’s Brott Music Festival, the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, and Brott Opera, helping mentor aspiring musicians from across the country.

“When you know each other well, there’s something different that happens.”

Miller credits her success to the people she’s worked with along the way like pianist Sara Davis Buechner who will join her on the SSO stage with Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 23.

“Sara is an incredible pianist. She’s fun and imaginative and we’ve performed so many concerts together. I really wanted to bring her to Saskatoon,” says Miller. “When you know each other well, there’s something different that happens. You’re not trying to be polite and just fit together, there’s trust and you are able to take more risks in the performance.”

“We’re so lucky to be together on stage doing what we love best.”

Pianist Sara Davis Buechner joins the SSO for opening night. (Yukiko Onley)

Buechner is looking forward to her SSO debut with Miller.

“I hope the audience enjoys watching and hearing two old friends on stage,” says Buechner. “We’re so lucky to be together on stage doing what we love best, making music.”

The Dvořák inspired Home is another highlight for Miller on this program. She commissioned the piece from friend and composer Michael Oesterle during her time at the Victoria Symphony. Opening night will conclude with a performance of Elgar’s Variation on an Original Theme, Op. 36 or Enigma Variations. The work holds special meaning for Miller.

“This is Elgar’s homage to the people he loved most,” says Miller. “It reflects the human connection and emotion we have for one another. It’s an expression gratitude we have for the beauty of music and for each other, the perfect way to open a season.”