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”.