A young pianist is taking the stage alongside the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra at TCU Place on Saturday.

Originally from Saskatoon, Jerry Hu is currently training at the Glenn Gould School of Music in Toronto. Even more impressive, this won’t be his first time performing with the SSO.

Hu’s debut came when he was a Grade 10 student coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic who had won a virtual contest thanks to his musical talents.

“The competition was called the Shurniak Concerto Competition. It was a competition open to the entire province and to all instruments, and you had to submit one concerto for evaluation.”

“It was so magical, especially coming out of the pandemic. That was the first live performance I had in over a year. It was such a great way to get out of that era of isolation.”

Now, four years after winning, he has been invited back for a second show.

“Mark Turner, the CEO of the SSO, I think when I was graduating, he asked me if I wanted to come back, and of course I would say yes. It’s been in the works for a while for me to come back, and I’m really grateful.”

Hu hopes he is able to touch the audience with his rendition of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1, one of his favourites.

“It’s such beautiful music. I hope they leave with an emotional impact, and if that happens, I’ve done my job.”

The show takes place at 7:30, and tickets are available online at the SSO or TCU Place websites.