Divas Decking the Halls with the SSO
When it comes to the YXE Divas there’s no extravagant demands this Christmas, just an orchestra full of talented musicians, an eager audience, and a chance to celebrate each other. Eileen Laverty laughs when she’s asked if she’s a diva.
Eileen Laverty performing with the SSO in 2024. (Julie Isaac Photography)
“I might wear eyeliner for this! I’m more comfortable in by sneakers and a comfy sweater so no, I’m not high maintenance’,” says Laverty. “The term diva is always intended very tongue in cheek in these shows. It’s fun, no ego. We are all backstage, watching the performance and cheering. There’s a lot of great energy.”
To have everybody from different genres sharing the space and creating Christmas magic, it’s going to be amazing
Betty Allison will make her YXE Diva debut in this performance. (Sarah Bowman)
Laverty, Elyse Evangelista, Falynn Baptiste, Ellen Nasser, Sonia Reid, Jessica Robinson, and Betty Allison are excited to take the stage with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra in YXE Divas Xmas Saturday Dec. 6, 2025 at TCU Place. Under the direction of conductor Janna Sailor, this will be an evening full of festive joy and a few surprises.
“I think the concert is such a treat,” says Diva newcomer Betty Allison. “To have everybody from different genres sharing the space and creating Christmas magic, it’s going to be amazing.”
It’s an incredible experience and I’m ready to put on a good show
Falynn Baptiste says everyone gives their all at these concerts. (Julie Isaac Photography)
The program will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday tunes. Some songs are the artists’ originals arranged for the full orchestra just for this concert.
“Am I The Only One? is a song all about the times that drive us moms a little crazy. You know, the Christmas chaos,” says Ellen Nasser. “Having my song arranged for an orchestra? It’s an incredible experience and I’m ready to put on a good show.”
This performance is a chance for the whole family to come together, sing along and share a little Christmas cheer.
“I’m so inspired to stand alongside all these fabulous women,” says Falynn Baptiste. “I truly believe music has the power to heal and elevate. I hope every single person leaves the show feeling inspired with hearts open and ready to embrace the holiday season.”
YXE Divas Xmas
Saturday Dec. 6
7:30p.m.
TCU Place
Tickets $76 – $102
For more information and to purchase tickets follow this link.
*This performance will also be available digitally at ConcertStream.tv
More Musical Gifts from the SSO
Handel’s Messiah with SSO. (Julie Isaac Photography)
Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 12 – 7:30p.m.
Knox United Church
With an all-Saskatchewan line of soloists; soprano Casey Penden, mezzo-soprano Andrea Ludwig, tenor Spencer McKnight, bass Jaden Burrows, and the SSO Chorus, Saskatoon’s longest running holiday tradition continues. If you saw last year’s Messiah, you know you’ll want to grab your seats soon as they sell out fast. Tickets are $55 – $64. Here’s the link for more information.
SSO’s Sing-Along Messiah. (Julie Isaac Photography)
Sing-Along Messiah
Dec. 13 – 2:00p.m.
Knox United Church
It’s the return of Sing-Along Messiah a favourite event for the community and our musicians! You watched the pros do it the night before and now it’s your time to make a joyful noise. With an all-Saskatchewan line of soloists and the SSO Chorus, we continue our favourite tradition where you get to join in the fun. Tickets are $25. Click here for more information.
The SSO performing at St. John’s Cathedral. (Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra)
Christmas Classics at the Cathedral
Dec. 21 – 7:30p.m.
St. John’s Cathedral
Christmas music is our favourite here at the SSO, which is why we wanted to bring you this special concert on December 21st. This performance has all your favourite classical Christmas music, a classic sing-along, and the joys of Christmas with the ones you love and your SSO. Tickets are $45 – $50. For all the details, follow this link.
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