Strathcona Symphony Orchestra is a regional orchestra serving the Comox Valley and Campbell River communities. They typically put on three public concerts a year featuring musicians of various ages and skill levels. The orchestra emphasizes accessibility, both in terms of affordable membership fees and in making their concerts physically and culturally accessible to the community. They operate independently, relying on donations and volunteers rather than institutional funding.

The main orchestra brings together regional musicians who want to play serious orchestral repertoire in a collaborative setting. If you’re a musician looking for a place to perform, check their website for joining information. They also run Hello Strings, a program for younger string players (violin, viola, cello, bass) aged 8 and up. Hello Strings welcomes beginners through RCM level 4 and meets Mondays from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at North Island Distance Education School in Courtenay. Cost is $100 per term plus a music fee of around $20.

The organization values its members as its most important asset and keeps things affordable through community support. Volunteers help maintain financial stability and make the concerts happen. If you play an instrument or want to support local orchestral music, this is the group doing it. Contact them at [email protected] for membership or Hello Strings enrollment.