In 1957, the International Symphony Orchestra (ISO) was formed when the Port Huron String Ensemble in Michigan amalgamated with the Little Orchestra Society of Sarnia. Both orchestras recognized that by joining forces they could flourish, not just survive. This international co-operative venture brings together professional and community musicians from both sides of the border. The ISO is a non-profit charitable organization in both Sarnia and Port Huron, and has offices in both countries.
The ISO moved to its current Sarnia location, 143 Christina Street North, in 2018. "We wanted a storefront where we could combine the executive office with rehearsal and performance space," explains Anthony Wing, ISO's Executive Director. ISO started out by performing two concerts a year, one in each country. Now the orchestra's activities include 12 performances a year, ISObar performances, the Symphony Singers, youth programming, and community events. "The ISObar is a music/art/event space featuring a rotating art exhibit from the 6+1 Art Group and a 70-seat performance space where we host First Friday and lunchtime concerts. It is a more intimate space that allows for different types of collaborations."
The principal focus of the ISO continues to be their concert season, which runs from October to April. "We have 12 concerts a year, six in each country. The repertoire has become steadily more ambitious under the leadership of conductor and music director Douglas Bianchi," shares Wing. These concerts are held at various venues in Port Huron and Sarnia, including the Imperial Theatre. The orchestra is composed of 30% professional musicians and 70% community players. "We have a very fertile environment for musicians on both sides of the border, and many of the members of the orchestra and choir are also involved in teaching the next generation of musicians."
The ISO sponsors youth string ensembles and has expanded their youth initiatives to include the International Youth Choir. The ISO presents free full orchestra youth performances, which have been enjoyed by over 2,000 school children in Sarnia-Lambton. Their Music Makes Sound Sense is an educational program held in 60 classrooms throughout the county. Over 2,800 children have been introduced to orchestral instruments, many for the first time. "Summer Strings is a one-week summer program for beginners of all ages. The program teaches violin and cello, and at the end of the week they perform a concert."
Wing is grateful for the ISO's many sponsors and donors. "Their support allows us to perform, entertain, and educate. We are also thankful for the hours our volunteers, musicians, singers, and members all contribute." Wing wants people to know that amazing live music is available in their own backyard. "Great music and culture are available right here. We have all these people working steadily, focused on the task of putting productions together and enabling musicians to create and perform their best work. Locally you can find this astonishing, capable, and professional group who deliver moving musical performances every time."
Victoria Sebben is a Certified International Wedding Planning Professional (IWPP), wedding decorator and event specialist. In 2006, a friend asked her if she would plan her wedding. At that time, I was an interior decorator, so I was excited and up for the challenge of planning the event and deco
When Lisa Isaac found her personal values didn't match with those of the company she worked for, she decided to branch out on her own. "I had not planned to start my own business that soon," says Lisa, who founded Lisa Isaac Human Resources (HR) Professional Services on July 17, 2018. "My pl
Amy Q Cooper found herself in a peculiar predicament. "Similar to many university students, I graduated in hopes of finding a job," Amy says. "But since the pandemic had recently started, basically every single company had pulled the job openings off their websites. They wanted to take care of"
When stylist Tyler Smith and his wife Ashley decided to open their salon, The Woods, they wanted a more natural, modern rustic environment. When choosing a name, they wanted something that would represent that. Ashley had suggested the name The Woods. This name was inspired by an album of the same n
DeGroots Nurseries began in 1957, the same year that John DeGroot was born. We've been around a while. The business has become part of the fabric of the community, DeGroot explains. The business was started by his parents, John Sr. and Attie DeGroot, who had emigrated from Holland in 1952.
Chris Skillas learned what it took to run a restaurant from his dad, Nick, who owned Lee's Snackhouse on Campbell Street for over thirty years. "I started in the family business when I was a kid. I would wash dishes and flip bacon...
Josh Walters and Tyler Rawcliffe have turned their passion for music and craft beer into a successful job venture. There were a couple of things in play when we opened our bar Mauds Variety, Josh, 37, says. One is we are good friends who wanted to create something special together and an
When it comes to forging a career, Melissa Jones places personal happiness way above any money she earns. I originally went to college and studied engineering software and I worked in that industry for a while, Melissa says. It didn't take long for Melissa to grow tired of working in a cubic