The Orchestra & Chorus

The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1997 by Norman Nelson and is now in its 26th year. It performed its first concert in June 1998. The orchestra has more than 60 members, ranging between 30 and 80 years of age, coming from all over the region. The SPO includes the Sooke Philharmonic Chorus, led by Choral Director Nicholas Fairbank. The SPO now performs regularly in the Westshore area.

The SPO sponsors the annual Don Chrysler Concerto Competition for Young Musicians. The winner usually performs with the orchestra at the next fall concert.

Supported by many dedicated volunteers, the SPO has grown to become the major musical presence it is today. We are inviting interested classical music enthusiasts from Sooke and the Westshore to get involved by joining the Sooke Philharmonic Society and helping to sustain this vital community resource.

Thanks to the efforts of the performers, of Maestro Nelson and of our current music director Yariv Aloni, the Sooke Phil is indeed recognized as “one of Canada’s finest community orchestras”.

The Conductors

Meet our conductors Yariv Aloni, Nicholas Fairbank, and Michael Klazek.

The Orchestra

Our Orchestra is made up of 60-plus members from around Greater Victoria.

The Chorus

We are a community choir that sings choral orchestral music in collaboration with the Orchestra.

View programs from past performances (1998-2023)

Watch a brief history of the Sooke Phil, featuring Norman Nelson, Founder

2023-24 Board Members

Lee Anderson
President

Daniel Barer
Vice President

Chantal Fillion Haycock
Treasurer

Gail Nash
Secretary

Jenny Nelson
co-Founder, Artistic Coordinator & Librarian

Mary-Jane Watson
Librarian

Bonnie Sprinkling
Volunteer Liaison / Garden Tour Chair

Sharon Johnson
Administration Assistant

Directors

Volunteer Support