Join Us May 21-24, 2025: Kenny Wheeler-Inspired Jazz Composition Symposium
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Kick off the festive season with the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra (SJO) and the Saskatoon Youth Jazz Orchestra (SYJO) as they bring the magic of the holidays to life with our much-anticipated annual December concert, "My Favourite Things: The Nutcracker Suite & More!" This year, we are thrilled to once again present our unique jazzy interpretation of a timeless classic - Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s Nutcracker Suite.
In true holiday spirit, the concert will also feature a lively array of beloved seasonal favorites. Adding a sparkling touch to these traditional pieces will be the captivating voice of Sanjana Brijlall, a 19-year-old mezzo-soprano from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan who is delighted to be making her debut with the SJO this evening.
Under the musical direction of Dean McNeill, the SJO will take you on a memorable journey filled with nostalgic tunes, jubilant jazz rhythms, and the joyous spirit of the season. With enchanting melodies that celebrate the holiday spirit and the unparalleled talent of our artists, this concert promises to be an unforgettable holiday treat for jazz and music lovers alike.
This concert will also feature this season's first performance of the Saskatoon Youth Jazz Orchestra directed by Nick Fanner.
| Vocals | Sanjana Brijlall |
| Flute | Jennifer McAllister |
| Alto Sax 1 | Gerard Weber |
| Alto Sax 2 | Sarah Suchan |
| Tenor Sax 1 | Nathan Degenhart |
| Tenor Sax 2 | Sheldon Corbett |
| Bari Sax | Doug Gilmour |
| Trumpet 1 | Dean McNeill |
| Trumpet 2 | Barrie Redford |
| Trumpet 3 | Nick Fanner |
| Trumpet 4 | Darrin Oehlerking |
| Trumpet 5 | Ronan Inkster |
| Trombone 1 | Brad Shigeta |
| Trombone 2 | Jonathan Tait |
| Trombone 3 | Don Schmidt |
| Trombone 4 | Dawn McLean Belyk |
| Guitar | Rory Lynch |
| Piano | Paul Suchan |
| Bass | Rhett Schroeder |
| Drums | Luke Newman |
| Alto Sax | Gwyneth Carlson |
| Alto Sax | Sydney Burns |
| Tenor Sax | Cassidy Letkeman |
| Tenor Sax | Ian Fraser |
| Bari Sax | Nathaniel Olson |
| Bari Sax | Callie Sherdahl |
| Trumpet | Bennett McCumber |
| Trumpet | Rebecca Carlson |
| Trumpet | Marie Levesque |
| Trumpet | Kenny |
| Trumpet | Oliver Malinski |
| Trombone | Liam Noble |
| Trombone | Ada DeLathouwer |
| Trombone | Finn Sinclair |
| Trombone | Edie |
| Trombone | Ella Neufeldt |
| Trombone | Lilith McGilp |
| Guitar | Heather Ferguson |
| Piano | Enna Ometlic |
| Bass | Luke Stevens |
| Drums | Cruise Dahlgrin |
| Drums | Grayer Hardy |
The First Noel - Arr. Bob Curnow (Jennifer McAllister - conductor)
Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite - Comp. Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Arr. Billy Strayhorn
- Overture
- Toot Toot Tootie Toot
- Peanut Brittle Brigade
- Sugar Rum Cherry
- Entr’acte
- Volga Vouty
- Chinoiserie
- Arabesque Cookie
- Dance of the Floreadores
The Saskatoon Youth Jazz Orchestra
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Comp. Johnny Marks, Arr. F. Comstock
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? - Comp. Frank Loesser, Arr. Jon Harpin (Keegan Isaac – vocalist)
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree - Comp. Johnny Marks, Arr. F. Comstock
Let it Snow! - Comp. J. Styne / S. Cahn, Arr. Roger Holmes
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm - Comp. Irving Berlin, Arr. Paul Weston
Here's To Life - Comp. Artie Butler (Sanjana Brijlall - vocalist)
Ella Fitzgerald Christmas Medley - Transc. & Arr. Allan Gilliland (Sanjana Brijlall - vocalist)
- Sleigh Ride
- Frosty the Snowman
I Wonder As I Wander - Comp. John Jacob Niles, Arr. Allan Gilliland (Jennifer McAllister - flute, Dean McNeill - conductor)
My Favourite Things - Comp. Richard Rogers, Arr. Fred Stride (Darrin Oehlerking - conductor)
Santa Claus Medley - Arr. Aaron Hettinga (Sanjana Brijlall - vocalist, Darrin Oehlerking - conductor)
- Here Comes Santa Claus - Comp. G. Autry, Arr. O. Halderman
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Comp. J. F. Coots, Arr. H. Gillespie
