It takes a lot of people to mark 100 years of music making.
Just ask the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra, which is taking to the stage on Sunday, March 15 to mark its 100th anniversary.
The oldest community orchestra on the West Coast is going big for its centenary celebrations, offering up a program that includes Beethoven's Ninth Symphony - which features singers from the Willan Choir, the Douglas College Choir and other guest choristers for the familiar chorus, Ode to Joy.
Some 200 musicians and singers will be onstage for the occasion, under the baton of conductor Jin Zhang.
The orchestra has made itself a key player in the city's arts and cultural scene since it first performed in public on Feb. 16, 1915, under the leadership of conductor Herbert Mackness.
For the occasion, the orchestra is departing from its usual tradition of offering its performance by donation.
"To meet expenses of presenting such a spectacular work as Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, tickets will be available for just $10 each - truly a pittance for such a great work as Beethoven's Ninth Symphony," said local arts promoter Tony Antonias.
The concert will be followed by a reception in the Plaskett Gallery at Massey Theatre, to which everyone is invited.
Tickets are available through www.ticketsnw.ca or by calling the Massey Theatre box office at 604-521-5050.
