PERFORMING ARTS FOR ALL
Established in 1997 to meet the local need for an adult community orchestra, the Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra is dedicated to bringing the joy of classical music to our community. Our orchestra is composed of both amateur and professional musicians who share a passion for performing and creating beautiful music together. We offer two concerts per year, with repertoire ranging from classical masterpieces to modern compositions. Our skilled musicians strive to deliver top-notch performances that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Whether you’re looking for quality entertainment or a reason to get out of the house, the Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra has everything you need to be dazzled. We hope you will join us for our upcoming concert and experience the magic of live classical music!
Leadership
George Charpentier
Conductor
George Charpentier studied the Kodaly Concept of Conducting in Hungary, the Orff and Saito Methods of Conducting in addition to pursuing instrumental studies on the clarinet and piano, as well as voice. He has taught instrumental music both in public schools and in private. He has lectured at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Alberta. Mr. Charpentier has also served as the Associate Director of the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra. In addition to conducting the Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra, he also conducts the Saskatoon Concert Band.
John H. Shoen
Past Executive Director
Born in Saskatoon in 1924, John Schoen began a lifetime career in music at the tender age of 5 when he learned to play the coronet. By the age of 15, he had already conducted two or three concerts. At 17, he joined the Canadian Navy and spent the next five years as the coronet player in the 23rd Wing (Auxiliary) RCAF Band. During the late 1940s, he conducted the Saskatoon Boy's Band and the Concert Band. The Concert Band has been in existence for over 60 years and under three different names during that time. It has been called the Saskatoon Concert Band since 1964. In addition to the Concert Band, Mr. Schoen also founded the Auxiliary Band and the Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra. In his honour, the rehearsal hall on Avenue V North has been renamed the John H. Schoen Rehearsal Hall. We deeply mourn the passing of John Schoen on Oct. 3, 2017.
Board of Directors
2023 - 2024
Seth Schacter
Past-President
Alex Brooks
President
Laura Wu
Vice-President
Judy Kernohan
Secretary
Catherine McCorkell
Treasurer
Carol Hanson
Librarian
Jordan Clarke
Member at Large
Lauren Aubrey
Member at Large
Staci Nahirney
Member at Large