Symphony Under the Sky Returns

Greetings readers,


It's one of the most wonderful times of the year: the Symphony Under the Sky Festival returns this weekend! September has always held more weight to me than New Year's since my school and music cycles usually resume in this month. Preparation for the SUTS festival means hunting for my lawn chairs from the basement, packing blankets for the cool evenings, and downloading a jingle bells app to join in for the 1812 Overture percussion. These are all things to compliment the excellent musical line-up this season.

Friday Evening

The first night of the festival always has some listener-friendly classics. This year Rossini's iconic "The Barber of Seville" overture with signal the start of the festival and pianist, Sara Davis Buechner, will be performing Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concerto No.1." Mozart's Symphony No. 40 will also be on the program this evening. The classical program is palatable for a wide array of musical audiences.

Saturday Matinee

This afternoon concert will feature a large array of iconic orchestral pieces by composers such as Haydn, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms. The world premiere of "Longing for Restoration," composed by, Samantha Semler, will occur this afternoon as well.

Saturday Evening

The trademark Hollywood evening concert. It is my favorite evening of the festival. I get to sit back in my chair, look up at the evening sky, cradle a popcorn bag, and listen to themes from John Williams such as JAWS, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Star Wars. Other well-known themes will include those from Back to the Future, The Untouchables, and Rocky. When I was young, while other young girls played with their My Little Ponies, I was definitely coveting Marty McFly's DeLorean. Who wouldn't want a time machine with a flux capacitor? After all, it is what makes time travel possible.

Sunday Evening

Louise Pitre will join the ESO for a Broadway Showstoppers evening. The ESO promises tunes from Mamma Mia! Les Miserables, Oliver!, Gypsy, Annie Get your Gun and Funny Girl.

Monday Matinee

The annual performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture will be on the program in addition to the Great Symphonic Dances. Dancers will join the ESO on the stage for Ravel's "Bolero," Gould's "Tap Dance Concerto" and Marquez's "Congo del Fuego Nuevo.


There is no better way to spend the labour day weekend than out at the park with the symphony. There are still tickets available for the concerts but make sure to get them quickly since Friday is coming up! 

Until next time readers, take care!

Note: This entry is cross-posted on The Sound and Noise

Ticket Info:

Winspear Box Office: 780-428-1414

Individual Concerts*

Reserved Seating
$40 Adult / $20 Child
Grass Seating
$25 Adult / Children Free
Family Matinee (September 2nd at 2pm)
$10 All tickets