Discover the 2026/27 Season with Sam Deason
Executive Director Sam Deason joins Greg Morgan to share what’s ahead for the Regina Symphony Orchestra’s 2026/27 season. From the search for our next Music Director and exciting new guest conductors to cinematic experiences, world-class artists, and new ways to connect with the orchestra, discover the stories and highlights behind a season of discovery.
Listen to the full interview and get a preview of what’s waiting on stage.
A Season Unlike Any Other for the Regina Symphony Orchestra
The Regina Symphony Orchestra’s 2026/27 season marks an exciting new chapter for the organization as the search begins for its next Music Director.
Following Gordon Gerrard’s decade of leadership with the RSO, the upcoming season will introduce four Music Director candidates, each conducting a series of concerts as part of the selection process.
“As we go into our 119th season, Canada’s longest continuously operating orchestra, this is going to be a season unlike any other,” says Executive Director Sam Deason. “Each of these four Music Director finalists are going to be conducting four concerts each, and it’s a really good opportunity for them to get to know the community, to really gel with the orchestra, and for us to be able to find the right person.”
The search process will continue throughout the season, with the final candidate performances taking place in May. A search committee will make a recommendation to the RSO Board, with the goal of selecting the next Music Director who will help guide the orchestra into its next era.
A New Era of Classical Music
The 2026/27 season celebrates the full range of what an orchestra can be, from beloved classical masterpieces to iconic film scores.
When asked about bringing new audiences into the concert hall, Deason highlighted how the definition of classical music continues to evolve.
“When you say classical music, a lot of people think of Beethoven or Mozart,” says Deason. “But next April we’re doing Star Wars Episode IV in concert. This is the original movie on the big screen, with the RSO playing maybe the most iconic film score of all time in perfect synchronization with the film.”
As the 50th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope approaches, audiences will have the opportunity to experience John Williams’ legendary score performed live alongside the film.
The season will also feature Disney’s Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in concert, bringing cinematic storytelling and orchestral music together in a unique live experience.
Celebrating the Classics
While the season explores new ways to experience orchestral music, it also celebrates some of the greatest works in the classical repertoire.
The season opens September 26 with Canadian pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, one of the most demanding and celebrated works in the piano repertoire.
“For those listeners who have seen the movie Shine, this is that concerto,” says Deason. “It is an absolute knuckle buster of a piece of music.”
The season opening concert highlights the RSO’s commitment to bringing world-class artists and unforgettable musical experiences to Regina audiences.
Making Music More Accessible for Young Audiences
A major announcement for the upcoming season is the expansion of affordable ticket options for younger audiences.
Thanks to support from Wolfond Financial, the RSO is introducing $10 tickets for audiences ages 35 and under for nearly every concert throughout the season.
“We’re really excited to drastically reduce our youth ticketing prices,” says Deason. “Ten dollars is normally a pint of beer these days, but at the RSO it’s a drink, some food and snacks, a great social atmosphere, and the best part of it is the concert.”
In addition, audiences ages 19–35 will have opportunities to connect through four free after-parties throughout the season, creating new ways for young adults to experience live orchestral music and build community.
