International Symphony Orchestra

The International Symphony Orchestra (ISO) is a distinguished musical organization with a unique history that spans over six decades. Established in 1957, the ISO emerged from the amalgamation of two smaller ensembles: the Port Huron String Ensemble from Michigan and the Little Orchestra Society of Sarnia. The merger was a strategic response to the realization by both communities that their individual sizes were insufficient to sustain separate orchestras, yet a collaborative effort could be successful. This foresight led to the creation of a rich international cooperative venture that has endured to the present day. Initially, the ISO's season consisted of just two concerts per year. However, it has since expanded its offerings significantly. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the orchestra presented twelve Series performances per season, in addition to Cushion Concerts, Chamber Presentations, youth education concerts, and a variety of community events. In 1984, the International Symphony Singers were introduced, adding a new dimension to the orchestra's capabilities. This vocal ensemble enabled the ISO to incorporate oratorio, opera, Broadway, and musical theatre into its programming. The Symphony Singers have since become an integral part of the organization, participating in several concerts each season. The ISO's commitment to community engagement and cultural enrichment was further demonstrated with the opening of The ISObar in downtown Sarnia in fall 2019. This multifunctional space serves as a venue for live music performances, rehearsals, and art exhibitions, catering to intimate audiences. The pandemic necessitated a pivot in operations, leading to innovative projects such as The ISObar Sessions, Thru The Looking Glass series, and the Nexus Chamber Series, which featured online chamber performances from both sides of the Canada-US border. The ISO is governed by a Board of Directors, with Mark Lumley serving as President and Anthony Wing acting as the Executive Director. The musical direction is under the baton of Maestro Douglas Bianchi, who is the Conductor and Music Director. He is a native of Windsor, Ontario, with an extensive background in conducting across various musical genres. The ISO also benefits from the expertise of Dr. David Troiano as Choral Director and Sander Kostallari as the Concertmaster. The orchestra comprises talented musicians playing a range of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and more. The Symphony Singers, led by Dr. Troiano, welcome new voices and hold open auditions for those passionate about singing. The ISO's administrative offices are located at 170 Christina Street North, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, and 800 Harker Street, Port Huron, Michigan, USA. They offer various ways for the public to engage with their work, including ticket purchases, general inquiries, and opportunities to donate and support the organization. With a rich history and a commitment to musical excellence, the International Symphony Orchestra continues to be a beacon of cultural collaboration and artistic expression in the international community it serves.