The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra continues a musical tradition rooted in the nation's capital as far back as 1894. The present OSO came into being in 1965 when the city and its music lovers were experiencing a dry spell in orchestral music. The old Ottawa Philharmonic had come to an end and Ottawa fans had to rely on infrequent visits from the Montreal Symphony Orchestra to satisfy their taste for classical music.

Ottawa musicians, with the demise of the "Philharmonic," were left out in the cold. However, the desire to have their own orchestra proved to be an irresistible force and, under the leadership of Maurice Haycock, local musicians decided to form a new ensemble-the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. At the outset, the new Orchestra, while full of enthusiasm and talent, was short on funds. It didn't even possess a podium for its conductor! The first rehearsal took place in the music room at Glebe Collegiate, and on April 14, 1966, the Ottawa Technical High School was jammed with eager concertgoers who welcomed the new ensemble with enthusiasm. The rest, as they say, is history. The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra is now the National Capital Region's largest orchestra with 100 musicians, specializing in performing music from the large symphonic repertoire. Thanks to the support of its growing audiences, the OSO's commitment to continuing the distinguished orchestral heritage begun in 1894, is alive and thriving.

The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra is a 100-member orchestra that plays five major concerts a year in Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre. For these concerts, the OSO concentrates on performing music from the large-scale symphonic repertoire of the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by Canadian composers.