As difficult as the pandemic has been for the International Symphony Orchestra (ISO), executive director Anthony Wing is quick to look on the bright side.
Despite the suspension of all normal programming, he’s got an astonishing amount of good news.
The ISO’s 63rd season has not been cancelled and the organization has been able to pivot to online concerts filmed on both sides of the border.
The Nexus Chamber Series started with a virtual Christmas show and is continuing until May with five episodes, the newest being released March 30.
Using care to protect everyone’s safety, the ISO’s musicians are filmed performing without audiences at various venues, including the former sanctuary of Central United Church its new owners have renamed 220 Genesis.
Wing says the acoustics in the historic church are ideal.
“The old wood and carpeting in there are so good for our sound, especially for the chamber orchestra,” he said.
Musicians are socially distanced and the string players wear masks while the woodwind players are in Plexiglas pods. Temperatures are checked at the door and each performance is rehearsed and taped in a single day.
While the ISO’s American conductor Douglas Bianchi works with the orchestra in Michigan, former conductor Jerome Summers has come out of retirement to work with the musicians in Sarnia.
It’s been a tough year financially for the ISO, said Wing, noting his organization is not benefiting from any raffles or draws. But there are encouraging signs.
For instance, donors are turning up that never supported the ISO before.
“These aren’t donors we see at performances,” he said. “But they believe in keeping the ISO alive. They aren’t going to allow us to fail, because they want us to emerge from the pandemic so Sarnia will continue to be strong culturally.”
Those interested in Sarnia’s economic development recognize the community is more appealing with an international symphony.
Wing calls them “our superstars” because several are smaller businesses going through tough times themselves.
Another silver lining is the new musicians joining the orchestra, on both sides of the border.
They tend to be younger, said Wing. “It’s so exciting to think we’re building the future of the ISO during a time of desperation.”
In addition to the Nexus series, the ISO mounted a successful “Thru the Looking Glass” series last summer in downtown Sarnia, and may repeat it if the pandemic drags on.
Lockdowns have also fostered a growing relationship between the ISO and the JNAAG art gallery, where a music education program for kids is being developed.
That isn’t to say the ISO is breezing through the pandemic. Far from it.
Wing laughingly says his principal job is worrying 24/7 about the orchestra’s wellbeing.
“Sarnia is supporting us and we are producing because of donations, our volunteers and government grants, but we can always do with more,” he said.
“Our mandate is urgent – helping musicians find work and serving the community.
“We’re doing everything we can think of to figure out how to do it and stay safe.”
IF YOU GO, VIRTUALLY:
WHAT: The International Symphony Orchestra’s Nexus Chamber Series
WHEN: Online until May 21. Fourth episode featuring works by Holst, Warlock and Faure, to be released March 30.
WHERE: www.theiso.org or call 519-337-7775 for info.
TICKETS: $50 for the series of five online concerts or $12 per episode.