Sudbury, ON – The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra (SSO) officially opens its landmark 50th Season on October 17th with Generations: Opening the 50th , a concert that looks back to the orchestra’s earliest years while honouring a lasting musical legacy.
“Discovering the history of the orchestra has been a nostalgic experience, and what’s most interesting is the people. There are literally generations of the same family in the orchestra, and also generations of teachers and pupils,” said SSO Concertmaster Beth Schneider-Gould.
Generations, hosted by Maestro Bill Rowson, brings the history to life. The programme features music that showcases the many sections of the orchestra, alongside a tribute to former Music Director Metro Kozak and his lasting contribution to Sudbury’s musical community.
Kozak trained generations of musicians in Sudbury, including his children, two of which will join the SSO as soloists in Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins – violinists Myron Kozak and Larysa Giesen (Kozak).
The concert also travels back to the SSO’s beginnings, revisiting three works from the orchestra’s very first performance on January 13, 1954, including the ambitious very first piece performed by the newly formed symphony: The Dance of the Hours from Ponchielli’s La Gioconda.
“For the past two seasons, our opening concert has explored the idea of timelessness,” says SSO Artistic Director William Rowson. “This year’s program is just as enduring and iconic, and includes specific pieces that were important to the symphony in 1954: Why were they special then, and how do we experience them differently now?”
Throughout the anniversary season, the SSO is celebrating the musicians, mentors and community leaders who have shaped its story, and inviting all of Sudbury to take part. A new Find Your SSO Around Town page on the SSO website highlights the multifaceted contribution of symphony musicians in the community by listing other places and events where you can hear them beyond the orchestra’s own concert series.
Generations is offered in two formats: the traditional evening concert and a shorter, earlier matinée, making it easier for audiences of all ages to experience the orchestra.
Concert details:
Generations: Opening the 50th
Saturday October 17, 2026
2PM Matinée; 7:30PM Main Stage
Sheridan Auditorium
https://sudburysymphony.com/events/generations-opening-the-50th-season/
For Tickets and full season details visit sudburysymphony.com or call 705-673-1280.
Media Contact:
Yvanna Mycyk, Executive Director, yvanna@sudburysymphony.com
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