The Stratford Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is excited to announce its unique Season 16 for 2020-21. Unlike in any previous season, the SSO will present SSO To Go, a collection of premium mini digital concert offerings for its dedicated local and growing global audience. This digital package consists of a series of documentary-style films featuring the first-class SSO musicians under the direction of one of the most dynamic conducting talents in Canada, SSO’s Music Director and Principal Conductor, William Rowson. The films are complemented by a series of engaging podcasts produced by SSO partner, the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO).
The production quality of the concert films is second to none, produced by award-winning film and television production company Ballinran Entertainment and directed by Craig Thompson along with a talented team that included sound engineer John Hazen, lighting designer Lorenzo Savoini and technical crew from IATSE Local 357. The audience-free Avondale Church was transformed into a magical concert setting, with ensembles from the SSO safely performing for the cameras.
SSO Music Director and Principal Conductor William Rowson explains:
“In putting these programs together, I was looking at ways to have our SSO musicians come together in a safe way to allow for great music-making and an engaging concert experience. It was a challenge working around safety protocols and physical distancing, with limits on the number of people involved at any given time.
One of the silver linings of having to program for smaller orchestral ensembles is that we’re able to play a lot of really great music that we love, but which is not normally considered part of our repertoire. One example of this is Baroque music, which hasn’t been performed that much by the SSO. The same is true for Renaissance music and contemporary works. We also wanted to feature as many local artists as possible. The programs are fun, they tell stories and are full of great music!”
Each SSO To Go instalment explores an interesting theme through music performance, illustrative commentary, insightful interviews, and bonus content, all of which can be enjoyed in the comfort of the viewers’ homes. The first instalment to make its online premiere will be Music in the Round on Saturday, December 5 at 8:00 pm, featuring the brass section of the SSO, joined by members of London, Ontario-based ensemble, Brassroots.
Subsequent film releases will include a festive, orchestral Christmas program; a fascinating exploration of the history of the famous tune Greensleeves, featuring guest artists Terry McKenna (lute) and Laurel Swinden (flute); Music in the Time of Plague-themed programs; and an instalment called Harmoniemusik that will feature SSO woodwind players performing the music of Mozart and Beethoven.
Each of the SSO To Go concert films will be accessible to anyone with an internet connection for a low pay-per-view fee, either by individual concert or by subscription to the full six part series. Students will be able to enjoy them for a reduced fee. The complementary SPO Great Music podcast series is offered free of charge.
SSO To Go Pricing:
Single Tickets: $10 minimum per household per concert (7-day viewing window)
6-Pack Subscription of all six concerts: $50 minimum (= one for FREE!) per household (6-month viewing window)
Students: $7 per concert or $30 for a 6-Pack Subscription to all six films
