Biography

The International Symphony Orchestra of Sarnia, Ontario and Port Huron, Michigan began in 1957. The Little Orchestra Society of Sarnia and the Port Huron String Ensemble came together and formed the Orchestra. Currently, the Orchestra is a non-profit organization and consists of around fifty-five musicians who are from both sides of the border between the United States and Canada. Many work full time in the music profession. Other members are engineers, teachers, doctors, nurses, and homemakers, but all are well trained musicians. From 1997 - 2011, the Orchestra's music director had been acclaimed Canadian conductor Jerome Summers. After an extensive search lasting two years, the Orchestra has selected Douglas Bianchi of Wayne State University as its new Music Director. Maestro Summers remains as Conductor Emeritus. The Orchestra performs at various venues and churches in the area throughout each season, including the Imperial Oil Center for the Performing Arts in Sarnia and at the McMorran Theater in Port Huron.