Symphony maestro proud of season that was, excited for what’s to come
The Saskatoon Symphony concludes its mainstage season on Saturday with the Gryphon Trio as special guest.
The trio will join the SSO for the first time with Beethoven’s Triple Concerto.
Also on the program, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9 conducted by Eric Paetkau. It “acts as respite and refreshment from the stresses of a troubled world,” the SSO notes.
The evening opens with Through the Glass Darkly: an Elegy for Orchestra by Saskatchewan’s David McIntyre.
Maestro Paetkau reflects on the season that was.
Q Name three events from the past season that stand out for you and why.
A Opening night. The way the orchestra played beautifully in Dvorak’s lush 8th Symphony, having James Ehnes as soloist, and introducing the audience to yet another excellent Canadian composer in Kevin Lau set a special tone for the season ahead.
Piazzolla Four Seasons. Having Pascale Giguere, my good friend and one of my favourite musicians come to Saskatoon and delight and inspire not only the audience but the orchestra members as well, was heartwarming.
Tanya Tagaq. The eclectic mix of music from Wagner to Tagaq to Barber to Hatzis drew in a crowd more diverse and representative of our community than usual and showcased great music-making in different ways.
Q Either in the program or the performances, what made you most proud?
A Every concert is pride-inducing
in its own way and since I’ve talked about some of the other season highlights, I’ll touch on a more familiar one. Perhaps mentioning the Messiah seems unusual since it’s been played so many times over the years, but there was a special sense of unity and purpose between all of the performers this year that was palpable and electrifying.
Q What does bringing groups in like the Gryphon Trio, National Arts Centre Orchestra or Canadian Chamber Choir add to the city’s culture?
A It’s a chance for the city to hear and interact with world-class musicians from other parts of the country, for those invited guests to see and hear what’s happening in Saskatoon, for our musicians to engage with old friends and colleagues from those groups, for the city to be inspired by the music-making of the these people, and to know that Saskatoon is a vibrant and important part of the cultural mosaic of this vast country.
Q What one word would you use to describe next season?
A Seriously? Only one word? A tall order but if I have to, I’d say “exciting!”