SSO welcomes a Queen just in time for Halloween
*Video courtesy of Thorgy Thor
It was something Thorgy Thor used to dream of in music class; a performance that had the beauty and precision of the symphony and the flamboyance and spark of drag.
“I always knew somehow it would be better in a more theatrical presentation with a drag queen at the center. I saw myself in that spot.”
Thorgy Thor brings a love of classical music and a flair for drag to the concert stage. (Santiago Felipe)
“I would be in the back of the orchestra playing Brahms and crying because it was so beautiful but, I knew it could be better,” she explains. “I always knew somehow it would be better in a more theatrical presentation with a drag queen at the center. I saw myself in that spot.”
After showcasing her talents on two seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 8 & All-Stars 3) where Thorgy shared her aspirations of leading an orchestra, the idea took off. With the help of composer Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and the Symphony of Nova Scotia, the Thorchestra sold out its first shows in 2018. Since then, Thorgy, a professional violinist and cellist now tours throughout North America bringing classical and drag worlds together in a joyous musical celebration. The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra is proud to team up with Thorgy to kick off its pops season in this in-person only performance.
Maestro Eric Paetkau can’t wait to share the stage with Thorgy and be part of the Thorchestra. (Julie Isaac Photography)
“I think it’s going to be a party, a pop show that really pops,” says SSO Music Director Eric Paetkau. “This is a great way to blow things wide open in terms of what you think a classical music performance is. It will be an outrageously fun evening full of jokes, audience participation and incredible music.”
Along with Strauss’ Blue Danube and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, there will be plenty of pop including hits from Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder. To get the audience primed for Halloween, the SSO is inviting everyone to don their costumes as they enjoy spooky hits like Monster Mash and Thriller. Thorgy says this show will bring people together.
“I want to show kids that they can do anything, express themselves in anyway and never feel like you have to fit into anyone’s box.”
“At the beginning of the show I always ask people, ‘Raise your hand if you saw me on the drag show.’ Then I ask, “Raise your hand if you have season tickets and no idea of what you’re about to get into.’ My hope is by the end of it, everyone falls in love with the music.” She continues, “I want to show kids that they can do anything, express themselves in anyway and never feel like you have to fit into anyone’s box. I hope to see some queens in the audience!”
