SSO with gifts aplenty this holiday season

You hear it on the street, in shopping malls and on the radio; holiday music is all around us at this time of year. The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra is getting in on the action and getting you into the holiday spirit with Elf In Concert Sat. December 7th at TCU Place. This year marks the 21st Anniversary of Buddy the Elf and his quest to find his family.

Andrew Crust will be the guest conductor for Elf In Concert. (andrewcrust.com)

“It’s hilarious at every turn and it’s so fun and the music adds to the comedy.”

Conductor Andrew Crust will lead the orchestra as they perform John Debney’s soundtrack to the film playing live on the big screen.

“The score is really sparkly, it’s humorous and fun to perform. There’s lots of whistling and singing,” says Crust. “Elf is simply a classic for all ages. It’s hilarious at every turn and it’s so fun and the music adds to the comedy.”

Violinist and Assistant Concert Master Drucilla Waltz is also a school teacher and can’t wait to share the performance with the audience.

“I have many students coming to the show with their family,” says Waltz. “This is a real glimpse behind the scenes to see how much music adds to the movie experience. It can be silly or dramatic, the soundtrack creates the entire atmosphere.”

“It’s very powerful and a great way to celebrate.”

Violinist and Assistant Concertmaster Drusilla Waltz can’t wait to see her students in the audience. (Mags Meraki Photography)

The Christmas cheer doesn’t end with Elf, the SSO continues its much beloved tradition of Handel’s Messiah December 13, 2024 and the Sing- Along Messiah December 14, 2024 at Knox United Church. The performance will include the SSO Chorus led by Duff Warkentin along with guest soloists Casey Penden, Andrea Ludwig, Spencer McKnight, and Jayden Burrows all under the direction of conductor Karl Hirzer.

“There are people who’ve been coming to Messiah for 20 years,” says Waltz. “It’s magical, especially the sing-along because the orchestra is on the floor and we’re sitting in the middle of hundreds of singers, completely surrounded. It’s very powerful and a great way to celebrate.”