Formally known as the Mississauga Symphonic Association, Orchestras Mississauga received its Letters Patent in 1972 after a group of local residents in co-operation with the City of Mississauga’s Arts Department came together with the goal of bringing orchestral music to the residents of this community. Dr. Boyd Neal, Dean of the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto, was hired as inaugural Administrative/Artistic Director and the first concert was held with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in an unusual performance space: an unused business office. In 1977, the organization was taken in new musical directions by its current Music Director & Conductor John Barnum who has built the artistic vision of the orchestra, ensuring that it remains current and vibrant. After performing in various locations such as high school auditoriums, churches and the Meadowvale Theatre, the organization moved to the Living Arts Centre in 1997, allowing for our administration, rehearsal and performance activity to coexist under one roof and for us to become an integral part of a new venue that has now become Mississauga’s home of arts and culture. Orchestras Mississauga is a unique music organization in that it has three distinct music ensembles, each conducted by the Music Director John Barnum: •The Mississauga Symphony is a large community orchestra of well over 80 volunteer musicians led by a core of professional musician leadership; the Symphony has earned a highly respected reputation as one of the finest community orchestras in Canada. •The Mississauga Philharmonic is a 40-piece professional ensemble which performs a Pops series of lighter fare and the annual March Education Program concerts. •Sinfonia Mississauga is a professional chamber ensemble known for its highly polished performances. Established in 1987, the Sinfonia’s concerts are performed in Mississauga although previous seasons have seen the Sinfonia perform throughout Southern Ontario, and it also has had a history of being recorded by CBC Radio Two, airing coast-to-coast-to-coast. Several fundraising events take place each year, including the popular Book Fair, a golf tournament and the Symphony of Lights. Orchestras Mississauga is a valuable cultural resource for Mississauga and its surrounding areas, providing educational opportunities for schools, instruction to young musicians and valuable experience for countless professionals, students and volunteer players.
Postal address
Orchestras Mississauga
4141 Living Arts Drive
Mississauga L5B 4B8
Phone:
905-615-4401
Upcoming presentations by Orchestras Mississauga:
- Russian Masterpieces. Runs Mar 27, 2010
- Triumphant Music. Runs May 8, 2010
