Saskatchewan Music Festival Association Inc.
The Saskatchewan Music Festival Association Inc. (SMFA) is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1908 to promote excellence in music and spoken word through competitive festivals and educational opportunities. Registered under the business number 119140267RR0001, the SMFA operates as a provincial body supporting musical and speech arts development in Saskatchewan.

Overview

The association coordinates over 40 district festivals annually, including competitions in disciplines such as voice, piano, strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, choir, multicultural music, spoken word, and ensemble performances[1][2]. These events provide adjudicated feedback to participants, with options for non-competitive participation in "adjudication-only" classes[1].

Programs

SMFA’s initiatives include provincial competitions, a concerto competition, and an opera competition. It also facilitates participation in the Canada West Performing Arts Festival[1]. The organization collaborates with local volunteer committees to administer festivals, engaging professional adjudicators to ensure high standards[1][3].

Structure and Funding

Funded by the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture, and Recreation, the SMFA distributes financial support to member festivals[1][5]. Its programs emphasize accessibility, serving participants of all ages, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds[1].

Member Festivals

The Regina Music Festival Association, a member organization, exemplifies the SMFA’s grassroots model, relying on volunteer labor and community donations to host events[5]. Provincial festivals collectively involve hundreds of adjudicators and thousands of volunteer hours annually[1][5].

Legacy

As one of Canada’s oldest music festival networks, the SMFA has played a foundational role in Saskatchewan’s cultural education, fostering artistic growth for over a century[2][3].

[1] https://smfa.ca [2] https://www.saskmusic.org/directory/search-directory/view,listing/937/saskatchewan-music-festival-association-smfa [3] https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/saskatchewan-music-festival-association-inc/119140267RR0001/ [4] https://www.instagram.com/saskmusicfestival/ [5] https://www.reginamusicfestival.org