National Symphony Orchestra

The International Symphony Orchestra (ISO) is a distinguished musical institution with a storied history dating back to its formation in 1957. It emerged from the amalgamation of the Port Huron String Ensemble Michigan and the Little Orchestra Society of Sarnia, two communities that recognized the potential in joining forces rather than maintaining separate orchestras. This innovative collaboration has flourished into a rich international cooperative venture that endures to the present day. Initially, the ISO offered a modest schedule of only two concerts annually, but its activities have since expanded significantly. Prior to the pandemic, the orchestra presented a season of twelve Series performances, along with Cushion Concerts, Chamber Presentations, youth education concerts, and numerous community events. In 1984, the International Symphony Singers were established to broaden the orchestra's repertoire to include oratorio, opera, Broadway, and musical theatre. This addition has enriched the organization, with the Symphony Singers participating in several concerts each season. Moreover, the ISO opened The ISObar in downtown Sarnia in the fall of 2019, a space for performance, rehearsal, and gallery events, which hosted regular live music performances for intimate audiences. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic necessitated an operational pivot for the ISO, leading to innovative initiatives such as The ISObar Sessions, Thru The Looking Glass series, and the Nexus Chamber Series. These initiatives allowed for the continuation of performances in new formats, including online chamber concerts across the Canada-US border. The ISO is governed by a Board of Directors, with Mark Lumley serving as President, and includes other key figures such as the First Vice-President Scott Metzner and the Executive Director Anthony Wing. The musical leadership is under the baton of Music Director Douglas Bianchi, a seasoned conductor with extensive experience in various musical genres and ensembles. The orchestra's Concertmaster, Sander Kostallari, is a violinist of Albanian origin with a rich background in performance and competition. Dr. David Troiano leads the International Symphony Singers as Choral Director, bringing a wealth of experience in vocal performance, musical direction, and church music. The ISO's ensemble comprises dedicated musicians playing a wide range of instruments, from strings to woodwinds, brass, percussion, and more. The Symphony Singers, a choral group under the ISO umbrella, welcomes new voices and holds open auditions for interested singers. The Executive Director, Anthony Wing, has a multifaceted background in music, politics, and business, and has been instrumental in leading the ISO following the tenure of Anne Brown. The International Symphony Orchestra is headquartered at 170 Christina Street North, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, with additional locations in Port Huron, Michigan. The organization maintains active engagement with its audience through various contact methods, including phone, email, and social media platforms. With a commitment to fostering musical excellence and community engagement, the International Symphony Orchestra remains a beacon of cultural collaboration and artistic innovation in the international music scene.