PEI SYMPHONY OPENS NEW DISCOVER SERIES WITH BELONGING
Morgan Saulnier takes centre stage as soloist in Khachaturian’s virtuosic Flute Concerto, while audiences become part of the orchestra in Eric Whitacre’s Deep Field
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE - September 28, 2026 — The PEI Symphony Orchestra will open its 2026-27 season with a blast featuring a solo performance by a local superstar and an exciting new digital twist on symphonic music.
The concert launches Discover, PEISO’s new four-year artistic arc reflecting the stories that have knit Canada together and continue to define who we are. The 2026–27 season, Our Story, is the first chapter in that journey.
“I am excited to launch our four-year Discover series this fall,” says PEISO music director Jaelem Bhate. “I envision transforming the orchestra into a prism; reconciling the past, challenging the present, and imagining the future of Canada through music. Each season will take on a new question and theme, a musical path to discovery through civic discourse and conversation. I believe that the PEI Symphony Orchestra has a unique opportunity to be recognized as a musical thought leader in Canada, employing music to connect, engage, and unite communities.”
Scheduled for October 18 at Confederation Centre of the Arts, the first concert of the 2026-27 season is titled Belonging. Local superstar and PEISO’s principal flautist Morgan Saulnier performs Aram Khachaturian's iconic Flute Concerto. Originally composed as a violin concerto and later adapted for flute, the work combines soaring melodies and rhythmic vitality with formidable technical demands on the soloist.
Morgan is well known in the PEI music community; she teaches at the University of Prince Edward Island, and is Associate Music Director of Craig Fair Productions. She maintains a busy schedule collaborating regularly with instrumentalists, vocalists, choirs, theatre productions, and emerging artists throughout Atlantic Canada.
“Having performed for many years as a member of the PEI Symphony Orchestra, it is incredibly meaningful to be featured as soloist, and have the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues in this different role,” says Morgan Saulnier. “I’m very excited to work with Jaelem Bhate and experience his musical leadership from a different perspective. This concerto is a lot of fun - and a lot of work! Originally written for violin, it presents different challenges for the flute, and it has been so much fun to learn and navigate those challenges. It is a wonderfully expressive and virtuosic piece that I believe the audience will love. It’s filled with character, energy, and some really powerful moments. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to tell this story, and share this piece with PEI audiences.”
And, in a “never-before-seen” twist, the Confederation Centre audience will “belong” to the orchestra during Eric Whitacre's Deep Field, when our smartphones will morph into instruments! Be sure to download the Deep Field app for iPhone or google play version in advance so you can play along on October 18! ‘Deep Field’ is inspired by the 1995 Hubble image that evokes the scale of the universe. The Deep Field app integrates a Virtual Choir of over 8,000 voices from 120 countries and electronica with the live orchestra and chorus during performances. During the concert, have your phone with the app nearby and wait for the conductor’s instruction for a special feeling of “belonging” to a unique musical experience!
Finally, a 'Leap of the Heart' by Cecilia Livingston, originally written for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for Canada's sesquicentennial, sets the stage for Laura Sgroi and Rebecca Thomas to tell Canada’s tragedy of colonization and the hope of reconciliation in We’re Not Done Drumming, when beat poetry meets the orchestra. The text will be performed by PEI’s former poet laureate Julie Pellissier-Lush. Belonging promises an impactful opening to the PEISO season. Together, the works ask audiences to consider belonging from multiple perspectives: to an orchestra, to an audience, to a community and to a country whose story continues to be written.
Season subscriptions and single tickets are available through the Confederation Centre Box Office. Visit www.confederationcentre.com or call 1-902-566-1267 / 1- 800-565-0278. For more information about the 2026-27 season visit the PEISO website at www.peisymphony.com.
BACKGROUND
The Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) is one of PEI’s most respected performing arts organizations, providing Islanders with vibrant live orchestral experiences including classical, cross- genres, family and chamber-music concerts. Currently entering its 59th season, the PEISO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region through dynamic performances, comprehensive educational activities and impactful community relationships.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Laura Ono
PEI Symphony Orchestra
(902) 892-4333
admin@peisymphony.com
www.peisymphony.com
