SOUNDS OF SPRING
Enjoy live music in a fresh atmosphere as early spring brings warmer days and nights. There's a variety to hear this month, with classic and modern hits from orchestras, bands and solo performers. Here are five concerts to watch, Jocelyn Bennett writes:
1. ELIXIR ENSEMBLE: TRIOS BY MOZART AND MENDELSSOHN
Performing chamber music for piano and strings, Elixir Ensemble welcomes the spring season with Trios by Mozart and Mendelssohn.
The concert features works for violin, cello and piano by historic child prodigies Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Felix Mendelssohn, and contemporary American composer Lowell Liebermann.
“All three of the trios featured on this program were composed at 30 years of age, an incredible accomplishment considering the quality and technical virtuosity they display. The Mozart trio communicates a sublime elegance and an impish sense of humour. The Mendelssohn Trio in D minor is one of the most passionate and fiery chamber works in the repertoire. We look forward to performing these amazing works,” artistic director and pianist Kathleen Solose said.
Elixir Ensemble performs at Emmanuel Church April 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $25, available at elixirensemble.com.
2. SASKATOON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: YXE DIVAS
Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra presents YXE Divas, a celebration of the exceptional female voices of Saskatoon.
Led by guest conductor Janna Sailor, the concert showcases some of the city's best pop, rock, blues and jazz voices. Performers include Eekwol, Falyn Baptiste, Eileen Laverty, Elyse Evangelista and Sonia Reid.
“It's the first time I'm singing with a full orchestra and in a way, it's like coming full circle. I was trained classically decades ago and I have such an appreciation for what the SSO represents. I've been watching from a distance, seeing how it's evolved, continuing to highlight local talent and connecting our community.
“I'm so excited to meet and work with so many talented women in our city and hear them perform,” said Reid, an R&B/ soul vocalist and coach based in Saskatoon.
“I think being called a diva is about being a strong woman who really goes for it, a badge of honour ... I'm very honoured to be offered the opportunity and to connect with these incredible female artists,” Saskatoon-born Evangelista added.
The SSO performs at TCU Place April 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $68 to $92, available at tcutickets. ca.
3. A RECREATION OF THE JOHNNY CASH TV SHOW
Award-winning tribute artist Jaedyn Pilon and the Flashback Band present A Recreation of the Johnny Cash Show.
Johnny Cash hosted a variety show from 1969 to 1971, showcasing country, rock and folk music from some of the biggest names in the industry. This tribute show features songs from Waylon Jennings, Linda Ronstadt and Glen Campbell.
“I'm really looking forward to returning to the Broadway Theatre with our exciting new show, featuring tributes to some of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
“We were so warmly received by the amazing audience at the Broadway last year when we were there with our previous production Elvis: The Early Years, that we couldn't wait to come back with another show,” Pilon said.
The tribute show is at TCU Place April 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40, available at tcutickets.ca.
4. SASKATOON JAZZ ORCHESTRA'S MICHAEL BRECKER: ODE TO A TENOR TITAN
The Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra honours a late American tenor saxophone legend in Michael Brecker: Ode to a Tenor Titan.
As feature soloist, renowned Canadian saxophonist Jim Brenan explores some of Brecker's influential hits through various stages in his career. Brenan is joined by guest drummer Jamie Cooper.
“I am very excited to come to Saskatoon to perform the music of a world-class musician with a world-class big band. I've been a fan of Michael Brecker's since I first started playing, and I've always wanted to perform his music. It's exciting for me to return to my birthplace and perform with the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra,” Brenan said.
The SJO performs at the Broadway Theatre April 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $35, available at saskatoonjazzorchestra.com.
5. THE BEST IS YET TO COME: DUSK SINGS BENNETT
Canadian vocalist Matt Dusk performs the hits of legendary crooner Tony Bennett in an all-ages show.
Dusk brings the essence of Bennett's style to life with his own unique spin on classic hits from the American icon's 70-year career.
“Tony Bennett was not only a musical hero of mine, he was a friend.
“We shared a showroom in Las Vegas way back in 2004 and Tony was always quick with a smile and a word of advice” Dusk said.
“It's going to be a nostalgic evening, performing the songs he made unforgettable and telling some stories of Tony.”
Dusk performs at the Broadway Theatre on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50, available at broadwaytheatre.ca.