saxophonist Timothy McAllister (picture: Ara Hawrani), composer Vincent Ho (picture: Hans Arnold

There are quite a few unique experiences with this Saturday’s performance of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra.  It’s a world premiere of Calgary-based composer Vincent Ho. It’s a saxophone concerto, which isn’t a common instrument for symphonies, and it’s about the migration of prairie birds.

Ho says part of the inspiration for this piece comes from USask’s Faculty for Applied Avian Research, because he loves the idea that artists can take scientific knowledge and create something that speaks to the heart. Add to that, along with world-renowned and Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Timothy McAllister as the soloist, there will also be saxophone players performing from the balconies at TCU Place, imitating bird sounds for a surround sound experience.

He hopes this concerto will highlight the possibilities for saxophone in the symphonic world. The SSO takes the stage at TCU Place Saturday night with tickets available at the box office.