Sapporo Symphony Orchestra

The only professional orchestra in Hokkaido, it performs at the Sapporo Concert Hall.

The orchestra was founded in 1961 as the Sapporo Civic Symphony Orchestra (札幌市民交響楽団 (Sapporo Shimin Kōkyō Gakudan)), with Masao Araya as its first principal conductor, and gave its first subscription concert that same year.

In October 2009, the orchestra re-organised itself as a public interest incorporated foundation.

[1][2] Matthias Bamert was appointed chief conductor starting in the 2018–2019 season.

Bamert told the Hokkaido Shimbun in June 2023 that it made him happy to conclude his career with the Sapporo Symphony.