The details
The nonprofit community orchestra was incorporated June 30, 1975, and now features about 65 volunteer musicians who rehearse and perform together while working in careers ranging from education and engineering to law and banking, Sands said.
Sands said Symphony North performs its concert season at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball and operates on a philosophy that classical music should be accessible to everyone. Admission to concerts is by donation.
The impact
The orchestra presents a series of concerts each year aimed at enriching the community’s cultural life while giving members a place to continue their musical education and performance experience, Sands said.
Sands said the hallmark of the group’s work is its Young Artist Concerto Competition, now in its 28th year. Each season, primary and secondary students ages 19 and younger from the Greater Houston area compete for the chance to perform a concerto movement with the orchestra. Category winners in strings, winds, brass, piano and percussion receive $500 scholarships, with an additional $500 awarded to the overall winner. Winners will perform with Symphony North on May 17, 2026, at Salem Lutheran Church.
This anniversary season will include a gala celebration during intermission of the March 22, 2026, concert at 4 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, Sands said.
