To collaborate with so many different artists, that’s what fuels my creative process

It’s a tall order to be taking the stage as a featured soloist in a North American premiere but cellist Stéphane Tétreault is up to the task.

Stéphane Tétrault says it’s an honour to be part of the North American premiere of Dale’s work. (Photo Provided)

“I’m pretty fond of the adage that pressure is privilege and in this case, it’s really applicable,” says Tétreault. “I’m not an artist who likes to make music alone in my studio, so the opportunity to collaborate with many different artists, that fuels my creative process. I’m really excited to be part of this concert.”

Like a flock of birds, we are all moving together and it’s truly magical to be at the centre of that.

The internationally-acclaimed Canadian cellist will join the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Greystone Singers, and Aurora Voce choir for Night Seasons. The concert is the North American premiere of British composer Rebecca Dale’s Night Seasons, the title piece from her album of the same name, inspired her personal experience when her father was terminally ill. It’s music about finding hope and looking for light during difficult times. SSO fans will remember the powerful 2020 North American premiere of Dale’s Materna Requiem and, like that concert, Night Seasons will fill the hall with a full orchestra and two choirs.

Crust will be leading the orchestra, two choirs and Tétrault in the performance of Dale’s piece. (andrewcrust.com)

“It’s absolute magic to be on the podium and hear all these human beings coming together and melding into one sound,” says SSO guest conductor Andrew Crust. “The musical phrases and voices building with a cello, almost like a spiritual voice, on top. Like a flock of birds, we are all moving together and it’s truly magical to be at the centre of that.”

I hope we convey his brilliance

The program will also include Shostakovich’s Festive Overture featuring the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra alongside their SSO mentors and Brahms Symphony No 1 in C Minor, considered one of the greatest symphonies ever written.

“It took Brahms 20 years to write this symphony as he was in the shadow of Beethoven at the time,” says Crust. “Brahms is my favourite composer and I hope we convey his brilliance.”

To be inspired by other artists, perform with them, that’s the reason I make music and do it for a living

For Tétrault, this performance is all about connecting with other artists and the audience.

“Music for me is always about dialogue. Like two people talking, it is a musical back and forth,” Tétreault explains. “To be inspired by other artists, perform with them, that’s the reason I make music and do it for a living.”