Press Release: Saskatoon Youth Orchestra Music Director to Retire
April 21, 2009 – The Saskatoon Youth Orchestra executive announced today the retirement, effective June 1, of Music Director Wayne Toews after 25 years of service to the orchestra and young people of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.
In an email to the players and families, Mr. Toews said, “I believe that I'm leaving a strong organization with a committed executive to carry on the work of building the orchestra program. The organization has a well established plan for carrying out its work. Much of the next season has already been planned and I have assured the executive of my cooperation in helping to make the transition as smooth as possible. I'm looking forward to pursuing my interests especially as a composer, conductor and teacher of conducting.”
Past Executive Chair David Balderstone said, “Wayne leaves a legacy that he can be extremely proud of, and one unmatched in our province's history. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and are delighted that finally he will have the opportunity to sit and enjoy a meal at the SYO Annual Gala.”
Mr. Balderstone said the executive is in the process of finding an interim director, and will meet April 29 to discuss immediate plans around the transition. “There are a lot of details to be dealt with in a relatively short time," he said, "but we're confident the transition will go smoothly.”
Founded in 1958 by Dr. Murray Adaskin, the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra (SYO) has enriched the lives and facilitated the development of talent, discipline, and self-motivation in more than 1400 young people. Incorporating the orchestra, Saskatoon Strings and Double Bass Program, the SYO has enjoyed success at national and international festivals including the Festival of Youth Orchestras in Quebec. Under directors Toews and Charpentier the SYO was awarded the prestigious Christopher Gledhill Award for performance excellence by the C.M.E.A. six successive times. The orchestra has earned praise for commissioning and performing Canadian works. The SYO celebrated its 50th anniversary this past season.