It will be a holiday season like none of us have ever experienced before, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep the traditions alive. That’s the spirit behind the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra which wants to bring people together virtually to share in the joy of the season.

There will be two shows online. Guest conductor William Rowson, who is originally from Saskatoon, describes the first show on December 5th as the traditional upbeat, contemporary holiday songs.

He suggests it might be a good night to put up the tree while watching the show. The second performance on December 12th is more reflective with songs like Greensleeves and Silent Night, which Rowson suggest might be a good one to watch by candle light with the tree lights twinkling.

And the season wouldn’t be complete without Handel’s Messiah. Rowson understands this year is going to be very different but what these performances can offer is connection. He says even though it’s a live stream experience it can still be a communal one. Digital tickets are available through the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s website.

The orchestra is following all the safety protocols including physical distancing between players, how they enter and exit the building, how many people can be in a room, plexi-glass shields for the wind instruments, and special air changing units underneath so air doesn’t circulate.