Rising Star Returns: Jerry Hu joins SSO for Chopin and the New World

“I feel it every time I come home. It’s a sense of warmth that comes from community”

It’s one thing to win a contest and be awarded a performance with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, quite another to be invited back.

Saskatoon born pianist Jerry Hu is a rising star on the Canadian classical music scene. Now, he’s returning home with a piece that he loves in the SSO’s Chopin and the New World. Hu will perform the composer’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11.

“His writing really connects with me and the audience.”

Jerry Hu can’t wait to be back on stage with the SSO. (Stuart Lowe)

“Chopin was the first composer I fell in love with. His music holds so much hope and yearning for happiness,” says Hu. “His writing really connects with me and the audience. I can’t wait to share it with the Saskatoon audience.”

“It was one of the best experiences of my life.”

It’s been a busy few years for Hu since his SSO debut in 2021. After graduating high school, he left home to pursue a degree in piano performance at the Glenn Gould School of Music in Toronto. He’s won many awards for performance and this January, Hu received the Jury Discretionary Award in the Canadian Chopin Competition. Hu credits the SSO for giving him a boost when he needed it the most.

“The concert, my debut, was right after coming out of the pandemic. My motivation levels weren’t very high and I was really nervous to perform,” says Hu. “The conductor and musicians really made me feel at ease and it was a blast. I felt that it really kicked me back into gear. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”

“It’s all about nostalgia, a love of home, and pride in your roots.”

Miller says there’s a sense of pride that comes with performing at home. (Julie Isaac Photography)

The concert will see Saskatchewan-born conductor Tania Miller back on the podium leading the orchestra. The performance also includes Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, Op. 95 (“New World”) and Goulet’s Citius, Altius, Fortius!.

“This program is filled with expressive music that speaks to the heart. It’s all about nostalgia, a love of home, and pride in your roots,” says Miller. “This is my first time working with Jerry. I think it’s special when Saskatchewan artists get the opportunity to perform in the place where they got their start.”

“Saskatoon has shaped who I’ve become. I see that now living in Toronto. I took it for granted,” says Hu. “I feel it every time I come home. It’s a sense of warmth that comes from community. Without their efforts and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”