Our History and Mission
History
A small baroque orchestra performing in Collier Street United Church was the genesis of the present day Huronia Symphony Orchestra. Now celebrating its 57th season, the HSO is the sole community orchestra in Barrie and Simcoe County. The orchestra is comprised of 42 talented and dedicated volunteer musicians from the community and six professionals who lead the major sections. Members are drawn from all walks of life and reflect the diverse social fabric of this dynamic region.
Mission
Our mission is:
1. To sustain a high-quality, community symphony orchestra based in Barrie that will provide a regular series of concerts that appeal to the ever-expanding population of this region.
2. To provide by means of a competent and innovative Board of Directors the resources required to sustain the orchestra, which is comprised mainly of non-professional musicians. Such resources shall include a well-qualified and challenging music Director/Conductor and such other professional musicians as deemed necessary by the Board.
3. To develop and nurture a Youth Orchestra by providing the leadership so that young instrumentalists may become members of the Huronia Symphony Orchestra.
We provide an opportunity for amateur musicians to play the orchestral repertoire, while offering the Barrie community the joy of experiencing live, engaging orchestral performances.
Our Youth Orchestra Programme provides a training platform for less experienced members of our community, offering valuable opportunities to develop their musical talents. This Programme has recently become popular with seniors who also wish to learn to play orchestral repertoire."
Rehearsals
We rehearse Sunday evenings from 7-9:30 pm. Our rehearsals are located at the Collier Street United Church, at 112 Collier St. Barrie, Ontario There are additional sectional rehearsals as necessary and scheduled in advance.