In 1985, the orchestra played host to a unique on ice live performance with
Toller Cranston. In 1990, they hosted a performance of the
Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra on a good will tour of Canada. In 2016, the symphony collaborated with Canadian author
Roch Carrier to present an orchestral version of
The Hockey Sweater, by Canadian composer
Abigail Richardson-Schulte. Over the years, the orchestra has also premiered work by several Canadian composers:
F. R. C. Clarke's "Saugeenia" on March 8, 1981, in concert with the Centennial Singers in Port Elgin,
Andrew Ager's "Autumn Overture" on October 25, 2003, Kevin Lau's "Sea of Blossoms" on March 3, 2007, "The White Horse" in February 2009, and Luc Martin's "Concerto for Recorder and Double Base" on February 7, 2015. Richard Mascall was the composer-in-residence from 2007 until 2010. While holding this position, he created several works that were premiered by the GBS: "Giizhigoong" commissioned as part of the City of Owen Sound's 150 Anniversary celebrations, "Dream of the Anishnabaek", "Ojibway Songs", "Nanabush and the Giant Beaver", and "Manitoulin". Many of these works have been performed by many other groups, including "Manitoulin" by
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. In 2022, the orchestra won the Owen Sound Arts & Culture Award for Outstanding Event. In 2017, the orchestra was the recipient of the Vida Peene Award These are not the first awards for the orchestra. In 2014, the GBS won an Owen Sound Cultural Award in the same category and in 1999, the Symphony was a recipient of the Lieutenant-Governor's Award for the Arts. The Symphony participates in many community events, including performing the National Anthem before at least one OHL Jr A
Owen Sound Attack hockey game each season. During the pandemic the Georgian Bay Symphony was one of the only community orchestras in Canada to launch a full digital season. John Barnum retired as music director and conductor of the GBS in 2015, after serving in that role for over two decades. In his final year he was honoured with the Owen Sound Cultural Life Time Achievement Award. == Conductors ==