The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra is paying tribute to frontline workers with their concert on Saturday at TCU Place. Musical Director Eric Paetkau says after having to move online again for a few performances, they are back for an in person concert, with the full orchestra, two soloists and two choirs. The performance of Brahms Requiem will also be available online.

Paetkau notes that requiems are usually associated with death and tragedy, but this requiem is more about moving from darkness to light, and from great sadness to new beginnings. The Maestro has announced that after being with the SSO for seven years, he is leaving after this season. Paetkau says, “I’m proud of what we accomplished as an organization over the years and how we’ve been an innovative force in the Canadian music scene.”

He says that during the pandemic, the SSO moved online for performances, and widened its audience locally and internationally.
Paetkau wouldn’t give specifics about his future plans, but said there are many projects in the works.