Spring at Sistema Winnipeg

As the weather has gotten warmer, Sistema Winnipeg has been busy behind the music stand and on the stage with many musical moments over May.

Earlier in May, Sistema Winnipeg students in Winnipeg Youth Orchestras (WYO) participated in the final “Sounds of Springs” concert. The 13 Sistema Winnipeg participants shared the stage across two out of the three ensembles (Youth Strings and Youth Concert), performing alongside talented youth from across Manitoba. Congratulations to all the WYO participants on a musical introduction to Spring!

Students from Elwick and King Edward Community Schools showcased their growth throughout the year, through their final Family Night performances of the school year in May. These informal events highlight the community connection between Sistema Winnipeg and the direct school communities and families, both through musical performances and partaking in a potluck after the event. Thanks to the Winnipeg Foundation’s Children & Youth Grant, the program was able to provide Filipino Cuisine from Mama Nor’s, ensuring all attendees received some tasty food, alongside many other treats and dishes from the community.

Throughout May, Sistema Winnipeg has established a creative partnership in preparation for our final concert of the school year with local arts organization, GroundSwell. Thanks to GroundSwell, we are able to connect with Anishinaabe violist, composer and educator Melody Mckiver, a Two-Spirit artist originally from Obishikokaang Lac Seul First Nation and now living in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg). Through on-site visits at Elwick Community School, this collaboration guides students through Indigenous-led programming that centers contemporary expression, and invites students to explore storytelling, emotion and music.

We welcome you to the final concert of the Sistema year – Sistema Winnipeg’s annual Michael Nozick Spring Concert on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Tec Voc Theatre at 1555 Wall St. Located within Tec Voc High School, this theatre will house all performances by Sistema Winnipeg orchestras, highlighting the musical journey throughout the school year. Tickets are not required, and admission is free, however we do encourage donations at the door. For more details, make sure you receive Sistema Winnipeg emails from the WSO, and follow the program on Facebook and Instagram!

Sistema Winnipeg is a partnership between the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO), Seven Oaks School Division (SOSD), and Winnipeg School Division (WSD). Sistema Winnipeg engages with youth in grades 1-12 at two main school locations, Elwick Community School (SOSD), and King Edward Community School (WSD). Programming includes general music, instrumental sectionals, full orchestra and choir rehearsals, and other activities for violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, French horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba.

Sistema Winnipeg is fully dependent on the support of our generous donors and partners to fund the program. If you would like to donate to Sistema, please click HERE. Current needs of Sistema Winnipeg are 14″ Violas, 1/2 Cellos, Collapsible Music Stands for off-site rehearsals, and Instrument bows (all string instruments & sizes). Click HERE to learn how you can donate your instrument or supplies today.

Donate Today

Jeffrey Acosta (he/him) is the Manager, Sistema for the WSO.