A cultural treasure for seven decades, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is a professional orchestra of over 50 musicians providing classical and contemporary orchestral music to more than 12,000 residents of the Niagara Region annually.

This season, the NSO presents 21 concerts in three distinct series: Masterworks, POPS! and Classical Family. The NSO proudly showcases top national and international guest artists bringing the stars of the world to the stages of Niagara.

In the fall of 2010, the NSO welcomed Bradley Thachuk as the eighth Music Director. Maestro Thachuk leads the orchestra on the stages of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

The NSO is also a leader in music education, offering programmes to inspire and nurture a life-long love of music in Niagara’s citizens. Summer Music Camp, NSO Story String Quartet, the Youth Club and The Academy at Summer Music Camp give students the opportunity to explore and make music. Our Spotlight On! programme showcases student ensembles in the lobby during NSO performances.

A registered not-for-profit arts organization, the NSO receives support from individual donors, corporate sponsors and federal, provincial, regional and municipal governments, all of whom recognize the vital role the creative arts play in a developing and sustaining a thriving community.

“As curators of music in the region, it is incumbent on us to ensure that this most universal of art forms thrills, enriches and thrives in Niagara.” Bradley Thachuk, Music Director, NSO

Legal Mandate: The Niagara Symphony Association is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization. Its purpose is to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of Niagara by providing professional quality orchestral music programs and educational activities. Following its first performance as the St. Catharines Civic Orchestra Association in January 1948, the organization was legally incorporated in September 1955. It legally changed its name to the St. Catharines Symphony Association and subsequently to the Niagara Symphony Association in 1978 to more accurately reflect the region it served and continues to serve today.

Mission Statement: The Niagara Symphony Orchestra entertains and educates, enriching the quality of life in Niagara. We engage our community through imaginative concert programming, and a broad range of educational programs.

Artistic Vision Statement: The Niagara Symphony Orchestra is the premiere professional music organization in Niagara.