Eric Braley admits it, he loves sci-fi soundtracks. The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s principal clarinetist says the music of Star Trek brings back many fond memories.

“The music that goes along with these shows feed your imagination.”

Eric Braley grew up with the music of Star Trek. (Heather Waldron)

“My dad was a college professor but also a huge trekkie. My mom was a freelance musician and the evenings she was away, he’d sit me down and we’d watch Star Trek,” says Braley. “It’s all fantasy. The music that goes along with these shows feed your imagination, and take you to places you’ve never seen before.

“Classical symphonic performance doesn’t have to be mean serious, it can also be fun.”

The SSO invites you to explore distant worlds with Symphonic Sci-Fi. The program features favourite works from film and television shows like E.T., Star Wars, and Jurassic Park under the direction of Armand Birk. The guest conductor has always believed that even a single performance has the possibility to change someone’s life and he hopes this concert attracts new audience members to the hall.

Conductor Armand Birk says just one concert can change someone’s life. (Julie Isaac Photography)

“Music is for everyone regardless of their race, gender, age, or background. I came to classical music as an adult and I’m still discovering new things all the time,” says Birk. “Entertainment is not a dirty word. Classical symphonic performance doesn’t have to be mean serious, it can also be fun. This music accesses the deep and intimate emotions in all of us. It’s exciting.

“It’s an honour to be a part of that big step.”

This concert will also feature the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra and their mentors from the SSO as the musicians explore Mars and Jupiter, two movements from Gustav Holst’s The Planets.

“This is a great way for us to connect with younger audiences as well,” says Birk. “For many of these musicians it will be the first time on the SSO stage and there will be plenty of friends and family in the audience cheering them on. It’s an honour to be a part of that big step.”

Braley’s looking forward to sharing this concert experience with his fellow musicians and the audience.
“We all love this music,” says Braley. “The incredible brass fanfares in Star Wars, the soaring strings and woodwinds as E.T. takes flight, it’s thrilling, nostalgic, and challenging to perform.”