Photo: SSO

A Saskatoon vocalist is grateful to have been offered the opportunity of a lifetime: a touring, custom concert created just for her. 

Sonia Reid first realized she wanted to pursue a music career in her late teens. Since then, she obtained a degree with a major in music from Redeemer University, embarking on a laundry list of breathtaking performances at the Sasktel Jazz Festival, The Bassment, and the YXE Divas concert with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. However, her latest endeavor likely takes the cake.  

Her performance with the YXE Divas sparked a conversation between herself and Mark Turner with the SSO, which led to the creation of her very own concert. 

“I’m completely honoured and privileged that it was even a consideration, and to now be in this place where it’s real. All the work has gone in, and I am now performing it. It’s amazing.” 

The performance is riddled with big songs from Whitney Houston, Sam Cook, and Aretha Franklin, among others. 

“Songs that we all can sing along to and we love… Tunes that people have enjoyed in the past in other settings and they will be able to enjoy with a symphony.” 

The show has already been performed in Kamloops earlier this year and it’s coming to Saskatoon on Saturday. She says she hopes audience members leave TCU Place with joy, maybe a tear in their eye, and a stronger sense of community.  

“The thing for me with any show that I do, my audience and I become family and friends in the moment. I want them to be able to enjoy this music as much as I do.” 

Following the Saskatoon show on Saturday, Reid says she hopes to perform the concert nationwide.