Where we came from and where we are going

It became apparent in the early 1980's that 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 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 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).

• incorporated in 1985;
• became a Provincial Cultural Organization in 1993;
• purpose is to organize, foster and promote the development and advancement of orchestral and string music activities in the province;
• in 2003 had an all time high of 783 members - 16 Group and 2 Honorary Family/Individual memberships;
• supports its Member Groups with Operating and Project grants on an annual basis;
• organizes annual summer workshops in Regina and Saskatoon which complement the programs of its Member Groups, and other events as appropriate;
• offers Professional Development grants to teachers of orchestral string instruments.