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.