When clarinetist Gilles Turcotte takes the stage with the orchestra for the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s Secrets of the Whales…He’s going to have to focus.

Gilles Turcotte on a recent diving trip. (Photo Provided)

“I may be a bit distracted from the music on the page. I’m a scuba diver, I’ve been in the whales’ habitat,” says Turcotte. “When you’re in the water you’re in the water it hits you that this is an animal that’s bigger than a bus, it makes you feel humble, it’s an amazing thing.”

This is a very immersive experience

This concert will take the film concert experience to a whole new level as it combines National Geographic’s critically acclaimed series Secrets of the Whales from Academy Award-winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron with an orchestra performing the soundtrack live.

“Since I was a child, I’ve always loved watching nature documentaries. This is a very immersive experience,” says guest conductor Monica Chen. “The cinematography is really beautiful and the music drives the story adding happiness, worry, fear, and relief for the animals as you follow their journey.”

Monica Chen has loved nature documentaries since childhood. (Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra)

This event demonstrates how the arts can inspire and build community

University of Saskatchewan president and vice-chancellor Peter Stoicheff will add magic to the evening as he helps tell the story.

“I’m honoured to serve as the narrator for the SSO’s concert adaptation of National Geographic’s Secrets of the Whales,” says Stoicheff. “The University of Saskatchewan is proud to support and build on the SSO’s mission to enhance Saskatchewan culture through our memorandum of understanding signed in 2017. This event demonstrates how the arts can inspire and build community.”

Peter Stoicheff will narrate the underwater adventure. (University of Saskatchewan)

If this concert brings people in to enjoy the beauty and majesty of the orchestra, then we’ve done our job.

This concert is your front row seat to a world few of us have experienced. The film puts a spotlight on whales as they make lifelong friendships, teach clan heritage and traditions to their young, and grieve deeply for the loss of their loved ones.

Whether your curiosity lies in the science of the whales or the artistry of the musicians, this concert offers a captivating blend of both.

“It’s a win, win…Period,” says Turcotte. “People who have not had the opportunity to see the ocean, and the whales that live there, this is a chance to enjoy the beauty and majesty of these animals and, if this concert brings people in to enjoy the beauty and majesty of the orchestra, then we’ve done our job.”