On July 24th, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO) kicked off their 2018 Migrations TD Tour in Parry Sound, Ontario. This orchestra of 95 toured from Canada to to Europe with a total of 8 concerts and several chamber group performances along the way.
The young musicians thrilled audiences in Toronto, Montreal, St. Catharine’s, and Ottawa. They then ventured across the sea where they continued to play for locals in Berlin, Kassel, and finally Edinburgh. For their tour, this experienced youth orchestra tackled selections from Gershwin, Strauss, Copland, and Scriabin, which attracted crowds from all over.
The 95 talented individuals forming the orchestra are between the ages of 16 and 28. Each musician had to undergo a greatly competitive application process to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity. It is said that 1 in 3 musicians performing in Canada’s symphony orchestras, are alumni of NYO Canada.
The NYO also offers an intense training program for skilled, developing musicians across the country. Due to the profound teachings of NYO, this program is iconic for developing outstanding musicians. The 90 to 100 students chosen from the five hundred who audition are supported by scholarships, provided by the generous donors of NYO.
Applications for the 2019 National Youth Orchestra of Canada will open on October 1st.