Most Sarnia-Lambton residents are not aware that we have something here that no other North American city has: an international symphony.
The International Symphony in Sarnia and Port Huron is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
Executive Director Anne Brown says it was formed in 1957 with the amalgamation of the Port Huron String Ensemble and the Little Orchestra Society of Sarnia when both groups realized they were too small to support separate musical groups.
"I think all of our membership recognizes how special it is to maintain an organization that really has not only cultural and artistic significance, but historical significance as well," says Brown. "We have an amazing cadre of volunteers and members who give their all to ensure the success of the symphony. We may have a sub from outside the area come in for a performance and they absolutely fall in love with this organization. It's friendly, it's open, it's grassroots so it has an energy that the fully professional orchestras do not have."
Initially, the International Symphony had only two concerts a year and that has now grown to 12.
The Symphony Singers were added in 1984 and auditions will be held Monday, September 25 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church at 7:30pm.
The symphony's season kicks off October 13 and 14 with "Diamonds and Divas."
More information can be found at www.theiso.org
