The Sarnia Concert Association (SCA) brings musical entertainment to the Sarnia and Lambton County area in the form of a 5- or 6-concert series each year. The series, traditionally, has been slanted toward classical and “serious” music, with some “popular entertainment” mixed in.

In addition to pure musical performances, the SCA also brings opera, comedy/variety, and musical theatre. The overall aim is to present artists who will be attractive and entertaining to our audiences, and price those artists at about what it costs us to bring them in.

The Sarnia Concert Association is a member of the Ontario Classical Music Network (OCMN). The network was formed to facilitate information-sharing and mutual support among volunteer-run music-presenting organizations who are committed to bringing high-quality classical music to their Ontario communities. We encourage SCA members and area residents planning to travel to any of these communities to explore the classical music offerings of these OCMN member organizations.

The Sarnia Concert Association (SCA) has been around since about 1936. For a time, it was a member of the Community Concerts network, but became independent in 1981.

Fine music must have been enjoyed in what is now Sarnia since the days of the first settlers in “The Rapids.” However, 1935 stands out as an important year in the history of music in our city with the creation of an organization dedicated to bringing excellent music performances to Sarnia.

This marked the birth of the direct ancestor of today’s Sarnia Concert Association. Although a Music Club had existed, its concerts were usually restricted to local talent.

During the summer of 1935, interested citizens brought Milton Blackstone, General Director of the Canadian Concert Association in Toronto, to Sarnia as an advisor. The result was the formation of the Sarnia Concert and Drama Association, a co-operative venture with the Sarnia Drama League. Founding president was F.C. Asbury, principal of Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School.

In its first year, this fledgling Association staged six performances – three plays by the Drama League and three concerts by artists supplied by Mr. Blackstone.

The membership fee for all six events was $3, and more than 766 people signed up, remarkable for a population of 18,300!

The SCA continues to maintain bargain prices for world class concerts bringing in performers from across Canada and around the world.

Quality and variety remain the watch words for our programs. As long as people appreciate the joy of live music, Sarnia will need the Sarnia Concert Association.

The SCA is a not-for-profit group run by a volunteer board. There are the usual President, Past President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and others interested in quality community entertainment. Get in touch here if you’d like to get involved!

1935 – Sarnia Concert Association formed.
1936 – Sarnia Music and Drama Association name adopted.
1940 – Sarnia Concert Association name appears for two seasons.
1944 – Community Concert Association formed by New York-based Columbia Artists.
1970 – A need for more Canadian talent expressed.
1980 – CCA ends links with Columbia Artists, Sarnia Concert Association name officially adopted.
1983 – SCA logo selected.
2001 – SCA moved from SCITS to the refurbished Imperial Centre for the Performing Arts.
2002 – With a Trillium Foundation grant, the SCA purchases a Yamaha Grand Piano for use by performers and the community.
2004 – On the eve of a new season, membership tops 500.
2010 – 75th Anniversary included a complimentary performance as a member appreciation.
2015 – SCA celebrates 80 years with grants from the Sarnia Community and Alix Foundations to refurbish the grand piano.
2020 – SCA celebrates 85 years!

Click here for photos and history of the piano.