Martin creates immersive experience for SSO’s Metamorphosis

“Why can’t you enjoy incredible music while surrounded by gorgeous art?”

The worlds of visual art and classical music collide as the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra closes its season with Metamorphosis at St. John’s Cathedral the evening performance is already sold out and tickets are going fast for the matinee. Filled with incredible music, this performance will immerse the audience in a magical forest created by Saskatoon artist Monique Martin.

Martin spent the past two years creating enough butterflies (above) for this show. (Maury Wrubleski)

“It will be dramatic and attention grabbing. I believe if we immerse people completely, they’ll forget their everyday worries and just breath,” says Martin. “Metamorphosis reminds us of the power of change and the hope and beauty it can bring.”

“Forget tradition, there are no rules.”

St. John’s Cathedral will be transformed as Martin’s 25,000 hand-drawn, silkscreened butterflies surround the audience. Beneath the orchestra a silkscreened floor cloth filled with flowers, ants, fallen logs and a stream creates the forest floor. The pews become fields as they are covered with cloths created by students at North Park Wilson School, and the entire space framed by trees. The idea came from the incredible success of 2023’s The Four Seasons of the Moon and was developed by Martin, the SSO’s Mark Turner and conductor Judith Yan.

Yan in 2023 at St. John’s Cathedral says the SSO’s performance with the Museum of the Moon was inspired. (Photo Provided)

“The moon was the best experience of my career and I’m so lucky to be part of creating another groundbreaking concert,” says Yan. “Forget tradition, there are no rules. Why can’t you enjoy incredible music while surrounded by gorgeous art?”

“I hope they walk away knowing the importance of truly experiencing art.”

The music leans into the natural world exploring themes of earth, creatures, and humanity. Pianist Sofia Mycyk and vocalists Sanjana Brijlall and Sonia Reid will join the orchestra. The program features well-known composers like Richter and Shostakovich and also British composer Rebecca Dale and Saskatchewan’s own Yash Kathrotia, who is also the SSO’s digital media producer.

“There’s so much musical talent inside the SSO,” says SSO CEO & creative producer Mark Turner. “It’s fun to highlight Yash’s beautiful composition and put him on the other side of the curtain.”

After the concerts, the exhibit will be open for public viewing at the cathedral until June 8th.

“Doing shows like this connects me to my community,” says Martin. “I hope they walk away knowing the importance of truly experiencing art; looking for things hidden within the cloth, finding your favourite butterfly, engaging your inner child, and exploring the wonder we’ve created.”

After the SSO concerts, the exhibit will be open to the public for viewing and other groups will be hosting events within the space right up until June 8th that schedule is listed below.