Elly Thorn joins the SSO for music, magic and memories
When the offer came in to perform with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Elly Thorn couldn’t believe it.
“It’s very dreamy because I’ve wanted to sing with the symphony in my home town for years,” says Thorn. “My first thought was, ‘Wow! I better learn how to sing properly.’ I’ve done all kinds of shows but I thought if I’m going to be performing with the SSO, I want to hone my skills.”
Thorn, a veteran of the music scene is excited for Christmas with the SSO – Saturday Dec. 7, 2019 at TCU Place. Along with fulfilling the goal of hitting the orchestra stage with her music arranged by composer Allan Gilliland, it’s also the date she’s releasing her new album, a collection of original Christmas music and traditional favourites inspired by the mixed emotions that the holidays bring.
“Christmas music speaks to people and touches our souls. It brings out the best in people around the holidays.”
Elly Thorn says family and music are the two things that get her into the holiday spirit. (Tamara Armstrong)
“Christmas is a chaotic time of year for many people. Our joy, loneliness, love; all of these emotions are heightened during the season we become unaligned,” she says. “Christmas music speaks to people and touches our souls. It brings out the best in people around the holidays.”
On the orchestra’s end, Thorn was the perfect choice for this variety-style show.
“Elly has a beautiful voice and a really interesting songwriting style, particularly her ballads,” says SSO executive director Mark Turner. “They are really beautifully written so we knew right away the music would sound incredible in the landscape of an orchestra.”
Adding to the magic of the evening, the University of Saskatchewan Chorus will perform A Child’s Christmas in Wales a piece based on the prose of poet Dylan Thomas. It’s an idyllic look into the childhood memories of the holidays. Trumpeter Dean McNeill will also be on hand to add a little jazz flair to the evening.
“One of the tunes he’ll be playing, I Wonder As I Wander is such an incredible Christmas song that isn’t heard as often at Christmas,” says Turner. “The pureness of Dean’s sound is going to create a truly beautiful moment for our audience.”
For Thorn, this show will be a moment to remember.
“It’s going to be goose-bumpy,” she exclaims. “Having my music played by so many musical geniuses will resonate deeply with me. Sharing in that collaboration, it’s going to be truly magical.”
