The Saskaton Symphony 2015-2016 Season Brochure

Our Prairie Voice the 85th Season

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra The

embarks on a bold path for its 85th season

The goal of the season is to set a new era for the orchestra as we excitedly welcome the city’s newest musician, Eric Paetkau. I think this is among the most relevant and distinct programming the orchestra has ever had.

Audiences have needs - some audience want the tried and true, while others want something brand new. You want to see guests who make you proud to be from Saskatoon, and guests that leave you breathless. You want concerts that profoundly affect you...and concerts that are just a really good time. This season has everything.

Each and every guest is Canadian. The season has more Canadian repertoire across each series than ever before. The season has an entrepreneurial feel to it - going out on our own and setting a new standard, and what could better reflect a growing city.

We celebrate 85 years with some monumental moments: a donor’s gala, Tanya Tagaq, Bugs Bunny, and Jan Lisiecki...a 20 year old pianist, no stranger to Saskatoon, widely considered to be one of the greatest pianists alive. We’ve pulled out all the stops for our new maestro it’s time for Saskatoon to get to know Eric!

See you at the symphony, Mark Turner Executive Director 2

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

Eric Paetkau

Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra Music Director

It is an absolute honour and thrill to be entering into my first year as the new Music Director of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra.

Usually this part of the brochure has the conductor welcoming all symphony goers and music lovers to its upcoming concerts.

But because I’ve received such a warm welcome from this friendly community and beautiful city, the shoe is somewhat on the other foot. So I first want to say thank you, and then invite you to join us for a season full of extraordinary music and musicianship.

There’s a sense of newness and freshness in the air at the SSO these days. Each piece, program, and performer showcases the SSO at its best and highlights the exciting new frontier of the classical world. We not only want you along for the ride but for you to deeply experience music that touches the soul, tears at your emotions, and even makes you laugh. There’s an incredible amount of variety with some phenomenal soloists and guest artists. And expect every concert and every piece, whether it’s a well-known symphony, a pops number, or a new Canadian work, to be performed at the highest level of musical excellence.

Refresh your senses and join the SSO on its new journey. I can’t wait to share it with you!

Eric Paetkau

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

3

Highlights

of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra 2015 - 2016 Season

MASTERS SERIES

TIME FOR TODDLERS

5

Samuel Deason, piano | Nikki Chooi, violin | Tanya Tagaq | Jan Liesecki, piano | Ileana Montalbetti, soprano, Lisa Hornung, mezzo, Michael Harris, tenor and Nathan Berg, bass | Sarah Slean and Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber

POPS SERIES

9

Tread Softly | The Nutcracker Meets Duke Ellington | Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II | Elton and Billy

16

Parent and child experiences perfect for your 2–4 year-old music lover

SYMPHONY GALA 17 85th Anniversary Gala SEATING PLAN AND SUBSCRIBING TO THE SSO

18

SUNDAY CHAMBER SERIES

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

PATRONS’ CLUB

HOLIDAY CONCERTS

SASKATOON OPERA

12 13

14

19

20

Vivaldi Gloria!

Messiah | Singalong Messiah | The Nutcracker Meets Duke Ellington

SILENT MOVIE CONCERTS

15

Silence is Golden Series: Hunchback of Notre Dame

21

SEASON AT A GLANCE

22

Connect with the SSO SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

facebook.com/SaskatoonSymphony

@SSOyxe

SSOyxe

* Canadian Artist

New World Symphony September 26, 2015 Samuel Deason* Opening night featuring the SSO’s new conductor Eric Paetkau conducting Dvorak’s beloved “New World Symphony”. Saskatoon born pianist Samuel Deason triumphantly returns to our stage with one of the great modern concertos.

Masters Series

Beethoven Egmont Overture Op 84 Shostakovich Piano Concerto No 2 – Sam Deason*, piano Dvorak Symphony No 9 in E minor “From the New World”

Music that will Move You

Two 9’s, a 4, 6 Canadian works, and an Appalachian Spring - we’ve pulled out all the stops for a celebratory 85th season.

The Masters Series brings the best of the classical music world to your stage. In its 85th season, the SSO welcomes concert goers to bold and innovative new programming - an exploration of sound merging new music with concert favourites.

SamDeason SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

5

North of the 49th January 23, 2016

Tanya Tagaq* Saskatoon Youth Orchestra*

NikkiChooi

The Red Violin November 14, 2015

The SSO explores First Nations and Inuit music in this unique concert experience. Trace the traditions of orchestral music through the sky, the river, the drum, and the human voice. Tanya Tagaq, throat singer, is part of the exciting next generation of Canadian classical music.

Grieg Picker Charke* Croall*

Baflour*

Peer Gynt Suite, selections Old and Lost Rivers Cercle du Nord III Caribou Song Manitou Sky

Nikki Chooi* Violinist Nikki Chooi is making waves across the classical music world – one of the top rising stars balances classical and movie music with the inspired Red Violin Suite. The evening features two symphonies: Mozart’s Haffner and Canadian John Estacio’s Farmer Symphony.

Bartok Estacio* Corigliano Mozart 6

Roumanian Dances Farmer’s Symphony Red Violin Suite - Nikki Chooi, violin Symphony No 35 in D Major “Haffner”

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

TanyaTagaq

Jan Lisiecki

March 5, 2016 Jan Lisiecki*

“His is a gift too rare to be squandered” - Grammophon Magazine One of the greatest pianists alive today, Lisiecki is atop the classical music world having performed with every major orchestra and winner of the Leonard Bernstein Award and Grammophon Magazine’s Young Artist of the Year 2013. This 20 year old is hailed around the globe for his “supremely honest and thoughtful” playing that captivates audiences and leaves them shouting for more.

Just weeks after playing Beethoven 4 at Carnegie Hall, he returns to Saskatoon for his first time with the SSO. “A pianist that makes every note count” - New York Times Wagner Haydn Beethoven

Siegfried Idyll Symphony No 104 in D Major “London” Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major – Jan Lisiecki, piano

JanLisiecki SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

7

Appalachian Spring May 14, 2016

IleanaMontalbetti

Beethoven 9 April 2, 2016

Ileana Montalbetti*, soprano Lisa Hornung*, mezzo Michael Harris*, tenor Nathan Berg*, bass

Sarah Slean* Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber* The warmth of the spring to the songs of a summer’s night – Copland’s beloved work paired alongside one of the oldest song cycles and a brand new song cycle. Pop artist Sarah Slean takes to the Masters stage in this distinct concert experience.

Copland Berlioz Purcell Hatzis*

Appalachian Spring Les Nuits D’ete - Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber*, contralto Dido’s Lament Lamento - Sarah Slean*, singer

One of the true great revolutionary works that left its mark on cultural history – Beethoven’s epic Ninth symphony stands as a monument to Beethoven’s impact on the sound of an orchestra. Nathan Berg returns to the SSO, and we welcome Saskatoon born Ileana Montelbetti for her work debut. University of Saskatchewan Chorus and Greystone Singers join us for this memorable night Finzi Beethoven 8

Three Soliloquies from Love’s Labours Lost Symphony No 9 in D Minor

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

SarahSlean

Tread Softly

Pops Series

The SSO Pops concerts are the place to be - get jazzy, get gritty, get folky, get Bugs Bunny on the brain. This year’s Pops Series has something for everyone!

the music of Eileen Laverty October 17, 2015 Saskatoon’s folk songstress comes to the orchestral stage for the first time – Laverty fronts the SSO with her songs mapped out as orchestral gems by leading composer Allan Gilliland.

The Nutcracker Meets Duke Ellington December 5, 2015

The SSO shares the stage with the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra in this night of Christmas jazz…Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite paired with Duke Ellington’s own take on the Nutcracker – a perfect start to your holiday season.

EileenLaverty

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

9

March 12, 2016 Conducted by GEORGE DAUGHERTY Created by GEORGE DAUGHERTY & DAVID KA LIK WONG

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II celebrates the world’s most beloved Looney Tunes and their legendary stars projected on the big screen -- Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Pepe Le Pew, Tweety, Sylvester, Wile W. Coyote, and Road Runner -- while their extraordinary original scores are played LIVE by the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by George Daugherty, and created

by Daugherty and David Ka Lik Wong, this new concert (and its predecessors Bugs Bunny on Broadway and Bugs Bunny at the Symphony) have delighted millions of concertgoers around the world, and spotlight acclaimed classics like What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, and Rhapsody Rabbit, along side eye-popping brand new Warner Bros. 3D theatrical shorts I Tawt I Taw A Puddy Tat and Coyote Falls. Plus special guest stars Tom and Jerry!

TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. TM & © Turner Entertainment Co. (s15)

Elton and Billy April 30, 2016

The SSO brings back Jeans n’Classics for a night of the music of Elton John and Billy Joel. Two of the great rock artists of all time, the evening is jam packed with hits from “We Didn’t Start the Fire” to “Crocodile Rock”.

SaskatoonJazzOrchestra SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

11

Sunday Chamber Series Enjoy the exceptional musicians of the the SSO’s Core Players in one of a kind chamber works - enjoy the opportunity to talk to the musicians after the concert in our new feature Explore the Music.

October 4, 2015, St Andrews Church at 2 pm Briccialdi Schubert

Wind Quintet in D Major Op 124 Piano Quintet in A Major “Trout”

January 17, 2016, St Andrews Church at 2 pm Jaeger* Charke* Ravel

Raven and Thunder Sepia Fragments Tombeau de Couperin

April 17, 2016, Delta Bessborough at 2 pm Dubois Wagner

12

Dixtour in D minor Siegfried Idyll

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

St. Valentine’s Day Vivaldi Gloria!

February 14, 2016, Knox United Church at 2:30 pm Eric Paetkau is the first conductor of the SSO to bring extensive knowledge of historically informed performance practice - meaning that this all baroque concert promises to be a highlight of the year.

Spend a beautiful Valentine’s afternoon with Bach and Vivaldi - the Saskatoon Symphony Chorus return for a concert that breathes new life to Vivaldi’s beloved Gloria.

Bach Vivalidi

Orchestral Suite No 1 Gloria

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

13

Holiday Concerts Messiah December 11, 2015, 7:30 pm Knox United Church Eric Paetkau Chelsea Mahan, soprano. Lisa Hornung, mezzo.

Spencer McKnight, tenor. Matthew Pauls, baritone.

The Saskatoon Symphony Chorus returns after an exultant performance last season – Maestro Paektau brings his baroque expertise to this performance with original tempi and historically informed performance practice.

Singalong Messiah

December 12, 2015, 2 pm Knox United Church Duff Warkentin, guest conductor Bring your friends and family to our new Singalong Messiah and raise your voices in celebration of this incredible music, with Duff Warkentin, guest conductor, and the same superb artists as our classic presentation.

Christmas Special

The Nutcracker Meets Duke Ellington December 5, 2015

The SSO shares the stage with the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestral in this night of Christmas jazz…Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite paired with Duke Ellington’s own take on the Nutcracker – a perfect start to your holiday season.

14

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

85th Season Highlights Core Series with PAVED Arts

Return of the SSO Chamber Orchestra

A Saskatoon Symphony Chorus Project

Silence is Golden Hunchback of Notre Dame October 24, 2015

Shows at 1pm & 7:30pm

Outreach concerts in Northern Saskatchewan

Meet the Music at McNally, Tuesday of concert weeks 30 educational concerts in schools and so much more!

Rick Friend, guest conductor and pianist Go back in time with Lon Chaney to the bell tower of Notre Dame - this 1925 movie was known as the “super gem” of its generation.

The SSO returns to the Roxy Theatre with silent film aficionado Rick Friend for this pre-Halloween haunt.

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

15

Time for Toddlers

Programs that invite children ages 2-4 to move, imagine, listen and explore with classical music. This parented program is created with young children in mind and with sharing the joy of music at its heart. $10 per parent and child

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

November 4, 2015, SSO Rehearsal Hall, 9:30am and 11am Bring your favourite stuffed friend for a musical picnic.

What’s the Weather?

January 13, 2016, SSO Rehearsal Hall, 9:30am and 11am Exploring the seasons through classical music with dance, song and movement.

A Musical Surprise!

April 6, 2016, SSO Rehearsal Hall, 9:30am and 11am Music is filled with the most surprising things! Come along for a musical adventure.

16

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

85th Anniversary Gala November 21, 2015 What better way to celebrate 85 years than to throw a concert party for our donors!

The fifth oldest orchestra in Canada, the SSO is the city’s oldest arts organization - a cultural institution that shapes and represents the region’s vast musical landscape.

The SSO wants to take some time to say thank you to everyone who gave generously to our Share in the Future campaign. There are no tickets for this gala event - the only way to get in is to give to Share in the Future.

The evening features your orchestra with a very special surprise guest artist...or two!

For information about how to support your orchestra, please contact development@saskatoonsymphony.org or 306-665-6414.

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

17

Why Subscribe

Seating Plan Sid Buckwold Theatre, TCU Place

AA

J

C

B

N P Q R S T

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Early-Bird Benefits for Subscribers Who Order by June 1, 2015:

J L

N P Q R S

SECTION B

SECTION C

C SECOND BALCONY LEFT BOXES

SECTION A

A

K

Z

18

MAIN FLOOR FRONT

SECTION B

U V W X Y

A

SECTION D

E

M

T U V W X Y

B

B

A

D E

A

SECTION E

All Subscribers Receive:

C

GRAND CIRCLE

C

Up to 20% savings off regular ticket prices.

Same seats from previous season (Masters and Pops Series)

Z

A

B

D

D

B C

D

SECOND BALCONY

THIRD BALCONY LEFT BOXES

Seating for all other venues for the 2015–2016 season is on a rush seating basis. Arrive early for best selection of seats.

A

K

L

M

H

G

F

E

D

SECOND BALCONY RIGHT BOXES

Main Floor, A – G Main Floor, H – S Main Floor, T – Z Grand Circle Second Balcony Third Balcony*

BB

C E

B

A

D

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

SECTION F THIRD BALCONY

A B C D E

THIRD BALCONY RIGHT BOXES

Sec. A Sec. B Sec. C Sec. D Sec. E Sec. F

Subscribing is your best value

ORCHESTRA PIT AA BB

Savings over regular ticket prices Guaranteed reserved seating in Sid Buckwold Theatre Easy ticket exchange Free replacement of lost tickets Return of unused tickets for a charitable tax receipt (minimum of 48 hours prior to concert).

Free open rehearsal pass on request (dress rehearsals only; limited access to some events).

Invitations to special events Regular newsletters from the SSO with concert, guest artist, and other news. Be in the know about your orchestra!

SUBSCRIBE BY JUNE 1, 2015 FOR EARLY-BIRD SAVINGS!

2-for-1 Off er Masters Series

If you’ve never subscribed to the Masters Series before, you can get two seats for the price of one! New Masters Series Subscribers are eligible for the 2-for-1 offer.

To arrange your purchase, call us at 306-665-6414 or email at office@saskatoonsymphony.org.

Seating assigned in area of your choice, if available. Not available in Grand Circle. No exchanges for other series. TCU Place Box Office charges are payable on the second subscription. *offer is valid for a full price subscription. 20% and 10% discounts not applicable

How To Subscribe 1 Choose your subscription type (Full Series or FlexPak). FlexPak subscribers can choose 4 or more concerts with FlexPak pricing. Full Series subscribers can add additional concerts with FlexPak pricing.

2 Choose your preferred seating area.

3 Complete the enclosed order form using the prices on the form, or visit our website at SaskatoonSymphony.org to download one.

4 Add a donation for the season. Add a donation for the Share in the Future Campaign. Every gift is instrumental.

5 Place your order BY MAIL, BY PHONE, OR IN-PERSON. Details are on the order form. If you do not have one, download one from SaskatoonSymphony.org.

6 Beginning April 16, you can order online via our website SaskatoonSymphony.org.

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

19

Patrons’ Club

Join the club and add some extra panache to your night out at the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra . . . . . . a glass of wine waiting for you at intermission, delectable finger food, a chance to join guest artists, other supportive patrons, and Symphony board members backstage, in the Yuel Green Room.

If you’re a subscriber who also donates to the orchestra annually, it’s time for you to enjoy the benefits of our new Patrons’ Club. Our goal is to enhance the concert experience—to make your night out at the symphony an even more special event!

For your donation of $2500, you’ll receive two seats for all Masters and Pops Series performances and exclusive access to the private Patrons’ Club lounge.

It’s a great night out with friends. Call the Saskatoon Symphony office at 306-665-6414 for more details.

20

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

21

2015 - 2016

Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra

Symphony Season at a Glance

SEPTEMBER 26

Masters 1 - New World Symphony Saturday, September 26, 2015, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

OCTOBER 4

17

Sunday Chamber 1

24

Silence is Golden - Hunchback of Notre Dame

Sunday, October 4, 2015, St. Andrews Church, 2 pm

Pops 1 - Tread Softly Saturday, October 17, 2015, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

Saturday, October 24, 2015, Roxy Theatre, 1 pm Saturday, October 24, 2015, Roxy Theatre, 7:30 pm

NOVEMBER 4

Time for Toddlers 1 - Teddy Bear’s Picnic

14

Masters 2 - The Red Violin

21

85th Anniversary Gala

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

Saturday, November 14, 2015, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 21, 2015, TCU Place Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

DECEMBER 5

Pops 2 - The Nutcracker Meets Duke Ellington Saturday, December 5, 2015, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

11 Messiah

Friday, December 11, 2015, Knox United Church, 7:30 pm 12

22

Wednesday, November 4, SSO Rehearsal Hall, 9:30 am and 11 am

Singalong Messiah Saturday, December 12, 2015, Knox United Church, 2 pm

JANUARY 13

Time for Toddlers 2 - What’s the Weather?

17

Sunday Chamber 2

23

Masters 3 - North of the 49th

Wednesday, January 13, 2016, SSO Rehearsal Hall, 9:30 am and 11 am

Sunday, January 17, 2016, St. Andrews Church 2 pm

Saturday, January 23, 2016, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

FEBRUARY 14

Vivaldi Gloria - SSO Chamber Orchestra Sunday, February 14, 2016, Knox United Church, 2:30 pm

MARCH 5

Masters 4 - Jan Lisiecki

Saturday, March 5, 2016, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

12

Pops 3 - Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II

APRIL 2

Masters 5 - Beethoven 9

6

Time for Toddlers 3 - A Musical Surprise

17

Sunday Chamber 3

30

Pops 4 - Back to Back - Elton and Billy

Saturday, April 2, 2016, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

Wednesday, April 6, 2016, SSO Rehearsal Hall, 9:30 am and 11 am

Sunday, April 17, 2016, Delta Bessborough, 2 pm

Saturday, April 30, 2016, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

MAY 14

Masters 6 - Appalachian Spring Saturday, May 14, 2016, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm

Saturday, March 12, 2016, TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG

23

SASKATOON SYMPHONY.ORG | 408 20th Street W, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0X4

| 306-665-6414 | SaskatoonSymphony.org