REGINA, Sask. — The Regina Symphony Orchestra recorded a 102 per cent increase in ticket revenue and welcomed more than 3,800 first-time attendees during its 2025-26 season.
Concert attendance was approximately double the previous year.
“Last season showed that the audience for this orchestra can be substantially larger than the one we have traditionally reached,” says Sam Deason, executive director.
“Our responsibility is to act on these learnings. We want the quality of our musicians’ work to be matched by the breadth of the community we serve.”
That reach extended into schools and neighbourhoods. More than 2,300 students from 41 schools participated in Link Up, presented in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, with a second performance added to meet demand. RSO musicians also gave 18 free concerts at seven Regina Public Library branches, reaching approximately 1,400 community members and brought performances to Weyburn and Moose Jaw.
Donor, sponsor and public support remain essential to sustaining the orchestra’s performances and education programmes as it works to turn last season’s growth into lasting participation, the RSO states in a press release.
For 2026-27, the RSO is taking a further step to bring younger audiences into the concert hall. Thanks to the generous support of Wolfond Financial, ticket prices for Young Friends aged 19-35 will be reduced to $10. Available for most concerts throughout the season, the new offer makes it easier for younger concertgoers to attend regularly and bring friends.
The initiative is accompanied by four after-parties for Young Friends, or audiences aged 19 to 35, offering opportunities to meet musicians, guest artists and fellow concertgoer
“We want young people to have the freedom to be curious,” Deason adds. “A $10 ticket is an invitation to try something new, and to make orchestral performances a regular and lasting part of their lives.”
The new season also brings the next stage of the RSO’s music director search. Following Gordon Gerrard’s 10-year tenure and his appointment as conductor emeritus, four finalists — James Kahane, Cosette Justo Valdés, Alex Prior and Karl Hirzer — will each lead four concert programs during the RSO's 2026-27 Season of Discovery.
The RSO's classical series opens Sept. 26 at the Conexus Arts Centre, with Kahane conducting and Canadian pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3.
Full season details, tickets and subscriptions are available at www.reginasymphony.com or through the RSO Box Office at 306-586-9555.
