The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes music lovers to help celebrate their 30th anniversary in the form of five-crowd pleasing concerts. The second performance, the annual pops concert, is set to take place on Dec. 5.

In its three decades, the SPO has undergone numerous changes in ensemble’s size, as well as in the demographics of the audience. But the greatest change took place almost 25 years ago, when the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra split from the SPO, “taking quite a few of our musicians with it,” general manager and composer Alex Eddington says.

“It took several years for our orchestra to regain its size and audience, and we are still putting a lot of effort into growing both, even today,” Eddington says.

This season the SPO offers new music by emerging Canadian composers, in conjunction with old favourites and gems rarely performed live.

“I believe that people are starting to get tired of listening to recorded music all the time and are craving live musical performance,” Eddington said. “The Scarborough Philharmonic puts on some of the most affordable orchestral concerts in the GTA, and we’re sounding great!”

All of the SPO’s concerts this season are celebratory, culminating in its official 30th-anniversary concert on May 15.

This season concertgoers can enjoy special appearances by the SPO’s former music directors, invited to guest conduct the orchestra.  And for the December and February concerts the orchestra will welcome 150 voices from the Toronto Choral Society.

The final concert this season features as guest performers the world-famous Gryphon Trio to play an exciting piece by current SPO music director Ronald Royer.

On Dec. 5 Howard Cable conducts the pops concert, A Holiday Celebration, with music for Christmas, Hanukkah and the winter season.

The evening is to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling the SPO office at 416-429-0007.

For more information, visit the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra website.