‘True Regina icon’: Conductor Victor Sawa dies after illness

Victor Sawa, the well-known conductor who led the Regina Symphony Orchestra from 1997 to 2016, has died.

The orchestra announced Sawa’s passing on social media, saying the conductor died peacefully at home on Wednesday after a lengthy illness, with family by his side.

The orchestra’s post described him as a “true Regina icon.”

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“He shared his love of music, movies, history and strong coffee with everyone he met. He invited people into the world of classical music with a smile and a joke – all while not giving away the score to the Rider game.”

Sawa introduced a number of unique experiences to the orchestra’s concerts, including Symphony Under The Sky and Mozart in the Meadow. He last conducted the orchestra in January of 2023, leading the Golden Age of Hollywood performance.

“There will be further news on a service of remembrance,” the orchestra noted. “The family is gathered together now and asks for privacy at this time to process this massive loss.”

Sawa also spent time with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra from 2010 to 2015, and that group also expressed condolences and thanked Sawa for his impact on the province.

“We are grateful for his impact on the SSO, and the Saskatchewan music community,” the orchestra noted in a social media post.

“He will be remembered fondly by so many, as he made everyone feel welcome on and off the stage.”