Collection: River Sawchyn

Featured in the CBC Music’s 30 hot classical musicians under 30, River Sawchyn is a composer and violinist from Winnipeg, Canada. Previously studying with composers Christopher Schmitz and Michael Van der Sloot, River’s first major orchestral composition was performed by the Winnipeg Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2021 and since then he has received a steady stream of premieres and commissions. Recent projects include his debut EP Cycles and Stars, a premiere by the MusicaNova Orchestra in Phoenix, Arizona and performances of his chamber music at the Hot Air new music festival at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In 2024, River co-founded the concert series Contemporary Music Interactive, which features up-and-coming Canadian composers, providing them with performances of their works as well as opportunities to meaningfully connect with their audience. River adores collaborating with a variety of artists and has written music for both dance and film. As well as an accomplished classical musician, he is a frequent collaborator with a variety of folk ensembles, choral and instrumental groups and is a skilled fiddle player, elements he enjoys incorporating into his compositions.