As a council they have seen plenty of growth and change over the years and as we head into the 2014-15 season, there is much to celebrate. This year marks the 40th anniversary for the Yorkton Arts Council's Stars for Saskatchewan Series.
With the council since the inception of the series, Margaret Cugnet says it all started from a proposal by OSAC - the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils.
"They were sort of in their infancy in those days," she says adding, OSAC was presenting concerts to councils throughout the province at the time. "There were wonderful, outstanding artists." Affordability though, meant fewer bookings at that time so OSAC came up with a plan to do group bookings by teaming up arts councils in Saskatchewan. This would mean discounted rates and greater booking power.
"We were then able to get excellent artists but for less of a fee," says Cugnet. "People are always somewhat skeptical about new things so we said 'well, we'll try it for one year.'"
The rest is history. Forty years later both the council and the Stars series are going strong, bringing hundreds of exciting and talented performers to the city at affordable costs.
"It's been a huge success. We've had over 300 concerts," Cugnet says recalling back to the very first performance in 1975 by a Saskatchewan dance theatre group. "We followed that by Liona Boyd who was almost like a household name in Canada... and then the Salt Lake Symphony Choir... a choir all the way here from the US in our first year...
"It was our first year and we had these outstanding artists... it just kept going and here we are today."
It may sound effortless but there is plenty of work and time that go into solidifying a seamless season of entertainment performances - year after year.
"But it's my passion," says Cugnet who is pleased with how things have grown over time. Annually, the Arts Councils of Saskatchewan meet to view shows and to select which will perform in the coming season. This year they will meet in October to decide on the following season. "It's called the Showcase Conference. We'll probably see about 14, 15 different artists perform and from there we begin to decide."
Availability, cost and variety to create a well balanced season all factor in as well as being able to accommodate each performer. OSAC then looks after the booking.
The current season kicked off this past Sunday.
"We opened with a Patsy Cline show and it was fabulous, just absolutely fabulous and packed..."
There are nine incredible shows to follow.
On Thursday, September 18, CONNIE KALDOR will take centre stage. A prairie-born acoustic performer for more than two decades, Kaldor's show is one that won't disappoint says Cugnet. "She is wonderful and we are really looking forward to her. (www.conniekaldor.com)
Next up is ANGELE DUBEAU & LA PIETA on Tuesday, October 14. "We've had them before and they are incredible. They are all female string players and it's an amazing program... Angele Dubeau is one of the worlds leading violinists and this is her orchestra. We were so impressed we're bringing them back."
On November 1 Prairie Debut will present FUNG-CHIU, ONE PIANO/FOUR HANDS. With their unique programming and captivating stage presence, The Fung-Chiu Duo (Janelle Fung and Philip Chiu) has quickly become one of Canada's premiere piano-duos. "It's one piano, four hands... you don't see this very often," says Cugnet. "It's going to be a really exciting performance." (www.prairiedebut.com)
ECLIPSE is an exciting and vibrant musical experience that showcases the very best of Saskatoon's musicians. "This is a fairly new choir... They're making quite a name for themselves. "From shimmering jazz to harmonies and grooving rhythm, to inspiring gospel, Eclipse creates a joyful musical spectacular," their description reads. "It's a musical event you won't want to miss!" (www.eclipsechorus.com) Eclipse will perform Tuesday, January 13 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
On January 27 Prairie Debut will be presenting ENSEMBLE CAPRICE, BAROQUE QUINTET. Under the artistic direction of Matthias Maute and Sophie LariviÈre, Ensemble Caprice is renowned for its innovative interpretations of baroque music and has received national and international acclaim for more than twenty years. The New York Times featured them in a lengthy article, praising them as "imaginative, even powerful, and the playing is top-flight". (www.prairiedebut.com)
February will see singer ROYAL WOOD take the stage. Performing songs from his critically acclaimed albums, Wood's latest release "We Were Born to Glory" debuted in the Top 25 charts in Canada and was recently nominated for "Adult Alternative Album of the Year" at the 2013 Juno Awards. "I saw him showcase last year... he's a new and up and coming artist...," says Cugnet adding residents will be sure to enjoy this award winning artist. This show takes place February 22 starting at 7:30 p.m. (www.royalwood.ca)
Who doesn't enjoy a crowd pleasing ballet performance? March will see renowned BALLET JORGEN CANADA PERFORM CINDER-ELLA. This is a classical ballet with a modern twist. Returning to the original Russian tradition of having women perform the roles of the stepsisters, choreographer Bengt Jorgen builds a more realistic and human look at Cinderella and her circumstances, and then uses these scenes to both counterpoint and highlight the magical aspects of the story. Cinderella will hit the stage Tuesday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. (www.balletjorgen.ca)
Steeped in Cape Breton tradition with strong Celtic roots and musical artistry, the BARRA MACNEILS are slated for April 8. This diverse and talented family group continues to wow audiences around the world. Comprised of six siblings , the Barra MacNeils are widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island they are deeply rooted in Celtic music and dance. (www.barramacneils.com)
Last but most certainly not least, a local group will be featured. LONE TREE ROAD - WITH JJ GUY AND SCOTT CORNELIUS will perform. "JJ Guy is a very well known fiddle player and Scott goes to the Yorkton Regional High School, he's a young, up and coming, wonderful fiddle player. Together they play, step dance and dazzle. A guitar, keyboard, mandolin and saxophone - all eclectically balanced will round out the show which takes place Sunday, April 26 starting at 2 p.m.
"All in all when we put it all together, I think we came up with 10 outstanding concerts."
They're made as affordable as possible as well. An adult can take in all of the remaining nine concerts for just $160 - a 50 per cent savings from single ticket pricing. For seniors the cost is $150, students pay $70 and for a family with two adults attending the cost is $400. Single tickets are also available.
All shows take place at the Anne Portnuff Theatre located in the Yorkton Regional High School with the exception of the final performance, each show begins at 7:30 p.m.
For tickets and/or more information, call the Yorkton Arts Council at 306-783-8722. Tickets are also available online at: www.ticketpro.ca
