Music

Danika Lorén is no stranger to pieces of music that challenge and push her to be better. The soprano, originally from Colonsay, has just come off a year that saw her play lead in the Canadian Opera Company’s production of La Bohéme and was part of the first professional live broadcast of opera in Toronto. […]

Music

Elly Thorn joins the SSO for music, magic and memories

December 2, 2019 Britainy Zapshalla

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 […]

Music

SSO alumni make music & mentorship priority for Homecoming

November 12, 2019 Britainy Zapshalla

She’s played all over the world but violinist Carissa Klopoushak says her most memorable show will always be the first time she played on the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra stage with the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra (SYO). “I was 12 and I remember we played Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and it remains my favourite piece to date […]

Music

Dutcher brings passion for the past & vision of future to SSO stage

November 6, 2019 Britainy Zapshalla

The first time Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s executive director Mark Turner heard Jeremy Dutcher’s first album Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa, he was fascinated. “It’s genius. Having taken the wax recordings from 100 years ago and using them as the foundation of new musical recordings, it’s music that will move you. It’s unbelievable.” In the Spring of 2018, […]

Music

SSO explores the mystery & wonders of space with The Planets

October 15, 2019 Britainy Zapshalla

Get ready to blast off with one of the most recognizable pieces of music ever written. The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra will take audiences on an exploration of deep space with its performance of Gustav Holst’s The Planets this Saturday. “This music is big, it’s bold, crazy, and some of the most important music ever written.” […]

Music

SSO marks milestone for the maestro

September 16, 2019 Britainy Zapshalla

Risks, relationships and financial stability; what a difference five years makes. Moving to Saskatoon to take up the baton with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra was something maestro Eric Paetkau knew he wanted to do right away. The multiple Juno Award nominee made the leap from Toronto to take the position as music director in 2015. […]

Festivals

Second time’s a charm for Valle at jazz fest

June 26, 2019 Britainy Zapshalla

Denise Valle has been all over social media, television and mainstream media the past few weeks. It’d be easy to assume she’s an overnight sensation but the truth is, this is the culmination of years of hard work on her sound. “This is the year I decided to go all in with music,” says Valle. […]

Festivals

Local boy gets surprise from Walk Off The Earth

June 21, 2019 Britainy Zapshalla

They are known the world over for cool covers and YouTube views but today, in a Saskatoon hospital room, band members from Walk Off The Earth are known best for brightening the day of a 5 year-old. Hugo Romanski is no stranger to hospital visits. He has Down syndrome and he’s been in and out […]

Music

Dutcher, Dames & Disney: SSO crescendos into 2019/2020

May 21, 2019 Britainy Zapshalla

The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra is wrapping its 2018/2019 season with Great Baroque Choruses this Saturday night at Knox United Church. As one season ends, anticipation for another year of incredible music is starting to build over at the SSO and in many cases, these shows are all about timing. Sometimes the planets align, you find […]

Music

Laverty returns to the stage with passion, experience and new tunes

April 24, 2019 Britainy Zapshalla

There are no limits to music and where it can take you. If you need proof, just look at the career of Saskatoon singer/songwriter Eileen Laverty. In the past year her career on the folk music stage has transformed into one that includes composer for theatre, television and the symphony. “I’m still finding my voice […]