VIDEO: Symphony's return is rooted in the here and now

When the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra plays it's first note Saturday at the Kelowna Community Theatre it will represent a new beginning after a very difficult time for the artists on stage.

"It's been a huge struggle," said OSO Music Director Rosemary Thomson. "Not being able to fill that creative urge has been really, really challenging."

So the performance is designed to reflect that.

It's called 'A New Dawn'.

"Some of the compositions have been written through peoples' experience of living through this pandemic," explained Thomson.

Since the last time they had a performance like what's expected Saturday a lot has happened.

So the show will address some of that too.

Guest artist is Csetkwe Fortier, a Syilx singer-songwriter will perform the premiere of a song that she wrote in tribute to the children found at the Kamloops Residential School.

"That's going to be a very moving tribute for her really honouring the spirit of those children," she said.

Thomson admits the orchestra can and has been, an archaic institution.

But she says the OSO has worked hard at changing that perception "...to create this sort of present-day feeling."

It's Thomson's hope that on Saturday, she will look out and see, not only the familiar faces of the people who normally enjoy the symphony but some new faces too.

We asked for her advice for symphony newcomers.

"Wear whatever you're comfortable in, bring your closest friend, just let the sound of the live music wash over you," she said.

"Don't worry about if you're going to 'get it or understand it. Try it out and see if you can just shut your brain off, open your heart to this music."

You might be surprised at what you experience, and one thing is for certain.

For the performers, it will be joyful.

"We're just so excited," said Thomson.

Tickets are still available for Saturday's 7:30 pm concert.