A Brief History...

    In 1956, a small group of local citizens formed the Sault Symphonette. With support from Algoma Steel, the Symphonette gave live concerts and radio broadcasts. Don Buchan and later James Whicher conducted. In 1969, the group was renamed the Sault Symphony, with Lajos Bornyi as conductor. Within four years the group had a board of directors and joined the Ontario Federation of Symphony Orchestras as Ontario's 25th symphony orchestra.

    The organization emerged stronger than ever with the appointment in 1977 of the present conductor and artistic director, Dr. John Wilkinson. In 1989 the Sault Symphony Association and the Algoma Conservatory established the CORE musicians program with assistance from the Ontario Arts Council. This program has been terminated due to recent cutbacks, but it has been of tremendous help in the growth and development of the symphony in the last few years. Anya Mallinger, who was engaged under the CORE musicians program, is the concertmaster of the Sault Symphony Orchestra.

    Through a co-operative venture with Lake Superior State University, the Sault Symphony relocated two brilliant Russian musicians to Sault Ste. Marie. Oleg Pokhanovski, world-renowned violinist, and his brother Mikhail Pokhanovski, an accomplished violist, were both artists-in-residence at LSSU. They have been playing with the symphony at various times throughout the season as well as giving private lessons to students in both Saults.

    The Sault Symphony of today continues to work at providing varied and exciting programs, often with internationally recognized soloists. Its continued existence is a tribute to the hard work of board members, volunteers, musicians and conductors.