CULTURE GECKO
SSO’s Controlled Burn creates unique, inspired concert that is unforgettable
By Ezekiel McAdams
October 27 2024
*Author's Note* - This is an Op-Ed by Ezekiel McAdams. These are my thoughts, opinions and review of the Controlled Burn concert. I preface this as I’m not a regular patron of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO), nor I am I well versed, education or have any training in classical music.
This is review of the SSO’s concert, Controlled Burn from October 26 2024 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Opinions and views are subjective.*
I wasn't really sure to expect from this if I'm being honest but after getting a chance to speak to both Cris Derksen and Zoe Roy, listening to their music style and hearing a talk Derksen gave at the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre at the University of Saskatchewan (UofS) on October 25, I was really pumped and expected because I had the feeling this was going to be special and I didn't want to miss it.
Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO), is an organization I'm not as well versed as I am with the Saskatoon theatre, arts and news scene. However, I always love checking things out even if they aren't in my wheelhouse.
The evening began when the concert’s conductor, Janna Sailor, took the stage, her presence and her posture evoked a powerful bird, her movements were so measured and confident.
The concert’s first piece, Frenergy, by John Estacio set the tone the tone for the evening with a frenetic energy that was reminiscent to a battle cry that cast a spell on my attention that never wavered throughout the night.
The following piece presented was, Canada Mosaic, by Jean Coulthard, which included the following; 1. Lullaby for a Snow Night, II. Mam’zelle Quebecoise, V. The Contented House and VI. Billowing Fields of Golden Wheat.
Under Sailor’s direction the orchestra created an enchanting fairy tale ascetic that was a wonderful follow up to the fast pace cavalcade of energy that preceded it.
Next up, was the signature piece of the concert which was Cris Derksen’s Controlled Burn. Derksen, Sailor and the orchestra came together in unison to project a powerful evocative theme that was both raw, classical and a ballad or ode to environmentalism with the sounds of helicopters deliberately placed that I found it so unexpectedly moving yet haunting that the emotion I felt will resonate with me for some time. I only wish I could have been able to purchase it after the event.
After the intermission, Sailor again led the orchestra with Contemplating Clouds on a Prairie Sky by Saskatchewan musician and teacher, Wayne Toews. The piece is dedicated to Ellen Remai and before it began Sailor gave a very infectious and heartfelt story on how impacted she was by the Saskatoon music scene growing up and how several musicians and teachers like Toews inspired her.
The piece was simple, charming and effective all at the same time. It evoked a peaceful, enchanting melody.
Finally, the evening came to a close with was Zoe Roy’s contribution to the evening, Ever, Beautiful. It featured several of her songs set to a music videos in the background on a projection screen. They included Listen to the Water, Back in the Alley, The Tree, Answered Prayers, My Muse, Up and Coming and culminated with a powerful rendition of her song, Guided Cookie.
Roy has natural stage presence and carries such a friendly, disarming yet confident persona. Roy along with Sailor’s direction and the accompaniment of Derksen and the rest of the orchestra really transcended the hip hop/rap genre to an accessibility that I think made it relatable but also to the audience that may not be as well versed in it.
As someone who doesn’t go to the SSO very much, this was one of not only my favourite concerts of theirs that I’ve attended but also an incredible celebration of talent and inspiration from Sailor’s direction, Derksen, Roy and the orchestra that created a unique, unforgettable experience.
I certainly will be checking out the SSO’s schedule in the future.
Information on Derksen, Roy and Sailor in regards to news, tours, events can be found on their websites.
Information on the SSO and future events, concerts and fundraisers can be found here.