The Saskatoon Symphony (SSO) has announced that Victor Sawa (currently music director of both the Regina Symphony Orchestra and the Sudbury Symphony) will also assume the position of SSO music director in the 2010/11 season.

In making the announcement, the SSO noted that it “was unable to incur the costs associated with a  full-scale search for a permanent music director at this time. In the interest of developing a model of operation that blends artistic depth with diligent fiscal monitoring, Victor Sawa has been selected to lead the Symphony towards its goals over the next three to five years.”

In making the announcement, Jane Wollenberg, Acting Chair of the SSO board of directors noted that “Victor has this special ingredient.  His passion for classical music cannot help but attract people to symphony concerts.”   Victor Sawa responded that “it is an honour and privilege to have the opportunity to lead the Saskatoon Symphony as Music Director.  There are real challenges to be met in the near future but with the help of the staff, players, and the board, we will prevail.  My aim is to provide quality and varied orchestral music and reach as many of the people of Saskatoon and area as possible.  Let’s have fun together!”

Maestro Sawa will take on the role held by Earl Stafford since 2007, when Stafford returned to Saskatoon on a two-year contract as interim music director.  Maestro Sawa will retain his positions in Regina and Sudbury as well.  For more information about the Saskatoon Symphony, please visit their website here.