When the Halifax Symphony Orchestra formed over 110 years ago, no one imagined that those dedicated musicians were building the legacy for today’s Symphony. Since then, Halifax’s symphonic fortunes have waxed and waned, with orchestras evolving and moving, until the present-day Symphony Nova Scotia took shape 25 years ago.

Atlantic Canada’s only full-time professional orchestra, the Symphony has introduced a whole generation of Nova Scotians to some of the world’s best music, while sharing the province’s talent with the world. Max Kasper has been principal bassist since 1986, seeing the orchestra mature firsthand. “It’s really grown up,” he says. “About half of the orchestra is the same people from the early days. We’ve really developed our own sound. There’s a passion there.”

With 37 members, it’s a small and intimate group, with a handful of newcomers joining each year. Kasper feels that’s one of the Symphony’s strengths. “There’s no place to hide,” he says. “I’m not one of 100 people out there. The sections are small and everyone is counting on you. You have to be at your best and keep it fresh every night.”

This season, it celebrates its silver anniversary, with concerts spanning a variety of musical styles and genres, from traditional classics to innovative new projects. “As a group, we have a lot of flexibility and can adapt to changing circumstances very quickly,” Kasper says. “That’s why we’re able to perform such a wide variety of music.” And while he’s played a lot of different pieces over the years, he finds it impossible to pick a favourite. “It wouldn’t be fair,” he laughs. “Of course I love it when I get to solo but there have been so many great concerts over the years.”

October’s lineup is a perfect microcosm of what has made the Symphony an enduring success. The month’s concert schedule kicks off on October 9 with Classical Eddins—a treat for classical purists. William Eddins, a gifted pianist and music director of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, joins Symphony Nova Scotia to conduct and perform three classic pieces. A passionate conductor, Eddins leads the Symphony through Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 25 K503 and Mendelssohn’s Symphony no. 5, "Reformation."

Things take a swingin’ turn on October 17 with the Symphony’s Salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes. Crooner Daniel Matto joins local jazz favourites the John Chiasson Trio to salute the legendary songbook of Frank Sinatra. Showcasing the music of one of the world’s most beloved singers, this is sure to be a memorable show.

Ron Sexsmith performs with Symphony Nova Scotia on October 24.

And the Symphony continues to demonstrate its artistry for the unexpected with a special concert as part of the Halifax Pop Explosion, a citywide showcase of emerging and innovative music. On October 24, Ron Sexsmith joins the Symphony for its contribution to the festival. A critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, Sexsmith has written songs for Diana Krall, K.D. Lang, Feist, Sarah McLachlan, Rod Stewart and countless others.

THE DETAILS

Symphony Nova Scotia performs in the Rebcca Cohn Auditorium, at the Dalhousie Arts Centre on University Avenue. Tickets are available at the box office, by phone at 494-3820 or