2026/27 SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE!

Single Tickets launching June 4th

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Meet the Regina Symphony Orchestra’s 2026/27 Music Director Candidates! Following an extensive search process led by a committee of RSO musicians, board members, community members, and the Executive Director, four dynamic candidates have been selected to take the podium throughout the season.

Across the 2026/27 season, each candidate will lead four unique concert experiences showcasing their versatility, creativity, and artistic vision. From thrilling classical masterworks and high-energy pops concerts to blockbuster films and inspiring youth performances, audiences will experience each conductor in a wide variety of musical settings.

This is a once-in-a-generation season for the RSO, and you are invited to be part of every unforgettable moment. Join us as we discover the future of the orchestra together.

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Music Director Candidates

In order of appearance.

James Kahane

James S. Kahane is Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and Principal Conductor of both the Helsinki Chamber Orchestra and Orchestre de Chambre de la Drôme. Praised for his expressive and dynamic leadership, he has worked with leading orchestras including the Israel Philharmonic. Active in both symphonic and operatic repertoire, he has conducted major works and premieres across Europe. Kahane studied at the Sibelius Academy and has appeared at festivals such as Tanglewood and Lucerne.

PERFORMANCES

CLASSICAL AT CONEXUS
Rach 3
September 26, 2026
Featuring: Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, piano
Classical Series Presented by: Rod McDonald & Family

POPS AT CONEXUS
RSO Unwrapped: A Holiday Spectacular
December 12, 2026
Featuring: South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra & Amici Singers, choir

CLASSICAL AT DARKE HALL
Strange Luminescence
March 13, 2027
Featuring: Katherine Dowling, piano

MOVIE WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
April 10, 2027

Cosette Justo Valdés

Cosette Justo Valdés is known for her dynamic and expressive leadership. The Cuban-born conductor has led major orchestras across Europe, North America, and Canada, and has served as Resident Conductor of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Artistic and Music Director of the Vancouver Island Symphony. A passionate advocate for diverse voices, she champions music by women, Indigenous, and living composers, and is recognized for her innovative, interdisciplinary programming.

PERFORMANCES

CLASSICAL AT CONEXUS
Death Dance
October 24, 2026
Featuring: Élisabeth Pion, piano
Classical Series Presented by: Rod McDonald & Family

POPS AT CONEXUS
Cuban Hits!
October 17, 2026
Featuring: Cuban Jazz Ensemble

CLASSICAL AT DARKE HALL
Ravel, Morlock & Schubert
January 30, 2027
Featuring: Christie Reside, flute

MOVIE WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
November 28, 2026

Alex Prior

Conductor Alex Prior has earned a reputation for his visionary skill in shaping orchestral sound. Prior studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and made his conducting debut at 14, graduating with top honours at 17 – the youngest to do so since Prokofiev. He is currently the Music Director of the Eugene Symphony and was previously Chief Conductor of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras and opera houses.

PERFORMANCES

CLASSICAL AT CONEXUS
Brahms Double
February 27, 2027
Featuring: Rachel Mercer, cello & Carissa Klopoushak, violin
Classical Series Presented by: Rod McDonald & Family

POPS AT CONEXUS
One Vision: The Music of Queen
March 6, 2027
Featuring: Jeans ‘n Classics & Ablaze Vocal Arts Ensemble, choir
Presented by: Harvard Developments

CLASSICAL AT DARKE HALL
Mozart, Stamitz & Adams
November 7, 2026|
Featuring: Ryan Davis, Viola

FAMILY SPECIAL
Winnie-The-Pooh’s Musical Adventure: The Hundred Acre Orchestra
April 25, 2027

Karl Hirzer

Canadian conductor Karl Hirzer has appeared on podiums across Canada and internationally, from Vancouver to Halifax and the Gstaad Festival. A recipient of the 2022 Heinz Unger Award, he served as Associate Conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra from 2016 to 2023. He studied at the University of Victoria and McGill University, and is known for championing contemporary music and engaging young audiences. Hirzer is also a composer, with his debut album Relaxer Distractor released in 2023.

PERFORMANCES

CLASSICAL AT CONEXUS
Last Songs, New World
May 15, 2027
Featuring: Tracy Cantin, soprano
Classical Series Presented by: Rod McDonald & Family

POPS AT CONEXUS
Sounds of Hollywood: John Williams & Beyond
May 8, 2027

CHORAL SPECIAL
Handel’s Messiah
December 17 & 18, 2026
Featuring: Elena Howard Scott, soprano, Adanya Dunn, mezzo, Spencer Britten, tenor, Luka Kawabata, baritone & the Regina Philharmonic Chorus, choir

EDUCATION CONCERT
Link Up: The Orchestra Moves
May 2027
*Limited seats for families of youth participants