Ottawa Symphony Orchestra

The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (OSO) is a distinguished Canadian orchestra with a rich history dating back to 1894. Over its 130-year legacy, the OSO has undergone several transformations, including changes in name, organizational structure, and performance venues, while consistently facing the challenge of financial sustainability. Despite these challenges, the orchestra has been sustained through the unwavering support of community leaders, volunteers, musicians, patrons, and donors, ensuring the legacy and excellence of symphonic music in Ottawa. Originally known as the Ottawa Civic Symphony from 1966 to 1976, the orchestra adopted the name Ottawa Symphony Orchestra thereafter. The early concerts of the OSO were held in a local high school auditorium, but in 1974, the orchestra moved to the prestigious National Arts Centre, where it performed for 44 years. A significant milestone occurred in 2018 when the OSO received an invitation to perform at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, a venue acquired by Carleton University. The OSO's inaugural concert at this new home took place on January 21st, 2019. The OSO prides itself on being a community-based professional orchestra, deeply rooted in Ottawa. It frequently features local musicians as soloists and is dedicated to providing opportunities for both emerging and established talent from the region and across Canada. Known for its bold programming, the orchestra embraces the monumental works of the 19th and 20th centuries, showcasing the full capabilities of its large ensemble. Concertgoers at the Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre can expect to experience the powerful sounds of composers such as Bruckner, Mahler, Wagner, and Strauss, performed by an impressive contingent of 70 to 100 musicians on stage. A champion of Canadian music, the OSO ensures that every performance includes at least one piece by a Canadian composer. The 2018-19 season featured the world premiere of a commissioned work by Harry Stafylakis, along with compositions by Alexina Louie, Jeffrey Ryan, Kelly-Marie Murphy, Airat Ichmouratov, and John Estacio. The following season promised the premiere of five new pieces across four concerts. The OSO is also committed to musical innovation and the development of emerging musicians. Through a partnership with the University of Ottawa, the orchestra's mentorship program allows young musicians to perform alongside professionals during their academic studies, significantly increasing their orchestral performance opportunities and exposing them to a wide repertoire. This initiative serves as a recruitment tool for the University of Ottawa's School of Music, attracting students from across Canada and internationally. In 2017, the OSO launched the Ottawa Symphony Senécal - Mozart Prize, funded by patron Nicole Senécal. This prize, which includes a $2,500 cash award, supports young Canadian artists in establishing their musical careers. The third edition of the prize was set to feature the bassoon in a concert scheduled for May 4, 2020. Throughout its history, the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra has remained a vital cultural institution, bringing the joy and grandeur of symphonic music to the community of Ottawa and fostering the growth of Canadian talent in the classical music scene.