Sault Symphony Orchestra receives 2025 Vida Peene Orchestra Award

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2025 Vida Peene Orchestra Award is the Sault Symphony Orchestra (SSO). This $5,000 award recognizing artistic and organizational achievement will be presented during their Autumn Echoes: Saint-Saëns, Beethoven, Brahms season opening concert on Sunday, October 26 at 2 p.m. at The Machine Shop, a Sault Ste. Marie performance venue.

The award will be presented by OAC awards officer Carolyn Gloude.

Photo courtesy of Sault Symphony Orchestra
 

About the Sault Symphony Orchestra

• The SSO is a leading source of classical music in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding Algoma region.
• Under the artistic direction of Stephen Mallinger, this community-based orchestra performs works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th century periods. 
• They are committed to creating engaging, inspiring and educational musical experiences that are accessible to everyone regardless of age, experience, or background. 
• The orchestra fosters music education through its Mini Maestros children’s program – a free concert for children held ahead of each installment of its performance season.

SSO artistic director Stephen Mallinger rehearsing with participants in the Mini Maestros program.
(Photo courtesy of Sault Symphony Orchestra) 
 

About the Vida Peene Orchestra Award

• The Vida Peene Orchestra Award recognizes artistic and organizational achievement and is given out biennially to assist Ontario orchestras. The OAC administers the jury process for this award.
• Vida Peene (1898-1978) was a Hamilton-based arts patron whose remarkable legacy continues to support the arts in Ontario and Canada. 
• The award alternates between professional and community-based orchestras. Past recipients include the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (2023), Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (2021) and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (2019). See the full list of previous laureates.