Sapporo Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1961 and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021.  As the only professional orchestra in Hokkaido, with a nickname of “Sakkyo,” the orchestra is gaining a high popularity that suits the vast land of Hokkaido with its clear sound and powerful expression.  The orchestra currently holds Matthias Bamert, Chief Conductor; Tadaaki Otaka, Honorary Music Director; Junichi Hirokami Friendly Conductor; and Kentaro Kawase, Resident Conductor.  As Bamert is to resign his position due to completion of his tenure in March 2024, the orchestra welcomes Tatsuya Shimono as Principal Guest Conductor in April 2024 and Elias Grandy as Chief Conductor in April 2025.  With 2 concertmasters, the orchestra holds 76 players, and its concerts count up to 120 annually within and outside Hokkaido.  As for the oversea tours, the orchestra made the Europe Tour in 2011, celebrating its 50th anniversary; and visited 5 cities in Taiwan in 2015.  Sapporo Symphony Orchestra aims to become the orchestra loved by the people of Hokkaido and will continue to express its musicianship towards the globe.