SOA Board of Directors
President James Winkel
Vice-President Katya MacDonald
Secretary/Treasurer Doug Hilderman
Past President Adrian Casas
Director Jennifer Bobowski
Director Scott McKnight
Director Holly Ward
Director Ryan Wheler
Staff
Executive Director Elaine Kaloustian
In the early 1980’s, access to provincial cultural funding was not available to amateur orchestral activities for both young and mature musicians. It was recommended to those who sought Provincial Trust monies for orchestras that a provincial organization be formed. Thus, the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association was incorporated in November of 1985.
Since then, the organization has grown to support and encompass virtually all orchestral groups and activities in the province, both amateur and professional. In 1992, an agreement was signed making SOA the provincial arm of the Association of Canadian Orchestras (now Orchestras Canada).
Our mission is to foster, support, and represent string and orchestral activities through advocacy, resource sharing and providing opportunities for learning and growth.
Our vision is an enhanced quality of life in Saskatchewan from stimulating a thriving orchestral community.
The programs and services developed and delivered by the SOA are designed for the following purposes:
- To provide lifelong opportunities for community-based orchestral activities.
- To facilitate performance and teaching opportunities for string professionals to make a living in Saskatchewan, so that string programs can be sustained throughout the province.
- To provide opportunities for all children to participate in orchestral music, recognizing that it offers great potential for personal development.
The primary means used by the SOA to achieve these outcomes are:
- Funding support to workshops.
- Funding support to member group activity.
- Funding support to individual musical growth and development.
- Sponsorships and collaborative projects with partner organizations having similar goals.
For 40 Years, SaskOrchestras has Contributed to the Cultural Fabric of Saskatchewan
In the early 1980s, amateur orchestral groups in Saskatchewan—whether for young musicians or adults—had no access to provincial cultural funding. Those seeking support were advised to establish a provincial organization, leading to the incorporation of the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association (SOA) in November 1985.
Since then, SOA has grown to support nearly all orchestral activities in the province, from amateur ensembles to professional groups. In 1992, we strengthened our national connections by becoming the provincial arm of the Association of Canadian Orchestras (now Orchestras Canada).
At SOA, we’re passionate about fostering and championing orchestral music. Through advocacy, resource sharing, and learning opportunities, we help musicians and ensembles flourish.
Our vision? A vibrant orchestral community that enriches the lives of all Saskatchewan resiIn the early 1980s, amateur orchestral groups in Saskatchewan—whether for young musicians or adults—had no access to provincial cultural funding. Those seeking support were advised to establish a provincial organization, leading to the incorporation of the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association (SOA) in November 1985.
Since then, SOA has grown to support nearly all orchestral activities in the province, from amateur ensembles to professional groups. In 1992, we strengthened our national connections by becoming the provincial arm of the Association of Canadian Orchestras (now Orchestras Canada).
At SOA, we’re passionate about fostering and championing orchestral music. Through advocacy, resource sharing, and learning opportunities, we help musicians and ensembles flourish.
Our vision? A vibrant orchestral community that enriches the lives of all Saskatchewanians.
The programs and services developed and delivered by the SOA are designed for the following purposes:
- To provide lifelong opportunities for community-based orchestral activities.
- To facilitate performance and teaching opportunities for string professionals to make a living in Saskatchewan, so that string programs can be sustained throughout the province.
- To provide opportunities for all children to participate in orchestral music, recognizing that it offers great potential for personal development.
The primary means used by the SOA to achieve these outcomes are:
- Funding support to workshops.
- Funding support to member group activity.
- Funding support to individual musical growth and development.
- Sponsorships and collaborative projects with partner organizations having similar goals.
Where our funding comes from
The SOA is grateful to be part of a group of Eligible Cultural Organizations (ECO’s). Through a partnership with SaskLotteries, SaskCulture provides funding to support cultural organizations throughout the province. To learn more about how Sask Lotteries work, click here: