Unlock your potential.Ignite your passion.
The South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra offers students from across Southern Saskatchewan an orchestral experience, the opportunity to learn, perform, travel, and make lasting friendships with other young musicians.
We are also pleased to announce the winner of our annual Concerto Competition. Congratulations to Yi Gao (Flute), winner of this year's Concerto Competition, with special mention to Alejandro Gahite (Violin), runner-up.
European Tour, Paris & Vienna
Le Pavillon de la Sirène
World Orchestra Festival
In July 2026 the SSYO travelled to Paris where they rehearsed at Le Pavillon de la Sirène. The orchestra then traveled to Vienna where they performed at the World Orchestra Festival.
Fifty years of music-making
The SSYO has helped young musicians learn, perform, travel, and build lasting friendships.
The South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra (SSYO), under the direction of Rudolf Sternadel, is open to orchestral musicians from the ages of 12–26. Membership is by audition.
The South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra (SSYO) began in the fall of 1976 under the leadership of Ernest Kassian. Kassian had led the Suzuki program in Regina since 1970 and was looking for an outlet for musicians graduating from that program.
The SSYO entered a new era in 1989 when Alan Denike became Conductor and Music Director. Under his leadership, the Orchestra has grown from 45 to as many as 80 musicians. He has led the Orchestra to Gold Medal performances at Festivals in Orlando (1991), Montréal (1995) and Chicago (2002). In August 2000, the SSYO was selected as the Host Orchestra for the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Gallery
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