Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra looking for new music director

Watch above: Maestro is set to leave the Saskatoon Symphony at the end of this season. Joel Senick takes a look at his contributions over the years and how the search for a replacement is going.

SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is in the final stages of its search for a new conductor and music director, as Victor Sawa plans to leave the group after five years at its helm. Sawa took over at the SSO after a turbulent couple of years; in 2008, then conductor Douglas Sanford filed a defamation lawsuit against six of the orchestra’s musicians.

“You want to feel like a family, but not a family in crisis,” said Sawa, speaking at the SSO’s offices on 20th Street West. “You got to have a good time doing this or else why are you doing this for, you shouldn’t have a bad time doing this.”

Sawa said he attempted to brighten the mood within the orchestra and believes it has improved over his years as its music director.

“He brought just the right kind of healing touch to us,” said Jennifer McAllister, a fellow conductor who also plays with the SSO at times. “His humor and the way that he can connect to an audience.”

Sawa said when he first came to Saskatoon, audiences “were always told to not to clap too much and don’t speak at all and get out.”

“I thought, that is sending the wrong message, I am sorry, you can’t do that, come on,” he said while laughing.

Sawa encouraged concert goers to be boisterous with applause, whistles and even screams of approval.

“You’re allowed to do anything, so just do it,” said Sawa. “It was mainly getting the audience revved up.”

“He sort of brought it to a more real level,” said Nicole Wilton, who regularly attends the orchestra’s performances. “You didn’t have to be a certain kind of person to go to the symphony.”

The SSO is now in the final stages of its search for Sawa’s replacement. The group initially received 77 applications for the position and later narrowed it down to eight names. SSO General Manager Mark Turner said he hopes to find a director that could keep connecting with the audience.

“They’re looking for someone who’s dynamic and engaging,” said Turner. “While we can’t make any announcements yet, the future is very bright.”

Sawa said he plans to pursue options in Europe and Asia after his term in Saskatoon is up. He is also the music director of Regina’s Symphony Orchestra, which he will leave in 2016. He likened his situation to former Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Kory Sheets who left the team to pursue an opportunity in the National Football League.

“I am trying to make my jump to the NFL,” he said.

Sawa said the end of the season will mark a sad goodbye in his career. He was asked what his final message would be to the Saskatoon community.

“I’ll miss you guys, I’ll miss you guys, have me back,” he replied.