Saskatoon Symphony conductor steps down, may take gigs in Austria and Germany

SASKATOON – After five years on the podium, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s conductor will put down the lead baton and take his final bow Saturday evening.

In August, the orchestra announced that Victor Sawa would retire as director and become the first conductor of emeritus at the end of the 2014-15 season.

He will also leave his 20-year position as music director of Regina’s Symphony Orchestra in May 2016.

Though he jokes about struggling to pick between becoming a Walmart greeter or senator, Sawa said he’s actually considering temporary positions in Austria and Germany.

Sawa was known for his desire to bring the symphony to the general public and dispel stereotypes that the music was only for the most affluent or savvy.

He started such performances as the Regina’s Symphony Under the Sky, an outdoor show, and the contemporary show Pops Concert.

Sawa said it was very gratifying to open more people up to the symphony. He said Canadians’feelings towards the symphony are very different from their European counterparts.

“Saskatoon audiences weren’t sure what they were going to be getting with this kind of music,” he said. “Whereas in Germany, they know what they’re getting; they go to it. It’s not intimidating. They’re not trying to be hoity-toity, they just go.”

Juno-nominated conductor Eric Paetkau will take over for Sawa.

(CKOM)