Vancouver Symphony Re-Imagines Saint-Saëns in Collaboration with Indigenous Council

An Indigenous re-imagining of Camille Saint-Saëns's work "The Carnival of the Animals" has recently had a second outing at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO). Aimed at elementary school teachers and their students, "Carnival of OUR Animals" calls upon a range of indigenous stories, cultures, and knowledge.

The concerts were conceived in collaboration with the VSO's Indigenous Council. The group wanted to include stories from three different nations: the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh). Composer and conductor William Rowson then developed the work in consultation with a representative of each nation. The piece focuses on three local animals: the Thunderbird, the Salish Woolly Dog, and the Eagle.

“This project and further collaborations between the VSO and local Indigenous nations is fundamental to our commitment to Truth & Reconciliation,” says VSO President and CEO, Angela Elster. “Through the partnership between the VSO and the Indigenous Council, we are working with members of the community to actively share their stories and culture with Vancouver audiences.”

“The VSO’s Indigenous Council was created to build inclusion with the three host nations: Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the urban Indigenous populations and the Metis peoples,” said VSO Indigenous Council Chair Dennis Thomas-Whonoak.

“Music plays such a huge part in Indigenous cultures and we intend to incorporate Traditional songs and stories in collaboration with the VSO and the musicians to create one of a kind musical performances," he added.

The concert is available to be purchased and watched online, here.