Press Release – For Immediate Release

National Youth Orchestra of Canada Delights Halifax with

Heartwarming Concert at IWK Health Centre’s Newman Gardens

Halifax, July 27th, 2023 – On the heels of their captivating performance at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) continued to spread the magic of music during their East Coast tour with a special collaboration with the IWK Health Centre Child Life. On the morning of July 27th, at 10 am, 14 talented young musicians walked from their hotel to the Newman Gardens in front of the IWK Children’s Hospital for a heartwarming 40-minute concert, leaving an indelible mark on the Halifax community.

This unique concert was a beautiful initiative undertaken by NYO Canada in partnership with IWK Health Centre’s ChildLife, with the shared mission of bringing the joy of music to those who are currently unable to attend concerts. The setting was perfect, with a picturesque gazebo in the Newman Gardens serving as the stage for the memorable event.

Under the bright morning sky, expectant mothers, children, hospital visitors, and staff were treated to an enchanting performance by the talented young musicians. The program featured delightful renditions of a diverse repertoire, from Taylor Swift to Bartok and from Disney classics to Caroline Shaw. The audience was captivated by the exceptional performances of two string duos, a string quartet, and a woodwind quintet.

“For about 40 minutes, the air was filled with mesmerizing melodies, laughter, and the sound of applause,” shared Emily Dunbar, NYO Canada’s Marketing and Communications Manager, as they described the atmosphere during the concert. “It was heartwarming to witness the joy on the faces of those in attendance, and we were delighted to witness the power of music in bringing smiles and creating memories.”

Despite their late-night performance at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium the previous night, the 14 young musicians of NYO Canada displayed their unwavering dedication to sharing their passion for music with the community. They had woken up early and practiced diligently while on the road to create this exceptional program for the people of Halifax.

One of NYO Canada’s key mandates is to make classical music accessible to all Canadians, irrespective of their circumstances. During this year’s tour, their pay-what-you-can pricing model ensures that everyone who wants to attend an NYO concert can do so. The collaboration with IWK Health Centre’s Child Life exemplifies this commitment by extending the joy of music to those who might not have had the opportunity to experience it otherwise.

“We were thrilled to have this additional opportunity to demonstrate the bright future of music in Canada,” said Emily Dunbar, expressing the orchestra’s enthusiasm for the collaboration. “The passion, love for music, energy, and remarkable mastery of their instruments displayed by these young musicians create an unforgettable experience for our audiences, whether in grand concert halls or the peaceful gardens of a hospital.”

The NYO Canada’s 2023 Aurora tour has been an extraordinary journey, showcasing the immense talent of these young musicians and leaving a lasting impact on every community they visit. After their splendid performance at the IWK Health Centre’s Newman Gardens, the orchestra is set to depart for their second-to-last stop in Saint John, New Brunswick, before concluding their tour in Toronto.

The NYO Canada and IWK Health Centre Child Life are grateful to the Halifax community for their warm reception and for sharing in the celebration of music. This collaboration serves as a testament to the power of music to heal and uplift spirits during these challenging times.

For more information about the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and their upcoming performances, please visit www.nyo.ca.

About National Youth Orchestra of Canada: The National Youth Orchestra of Canada is a prestigious organization that brings together exceptional young musicians from across the country. The orchestra provides a transformative musical experience through its yearly summer session, Chamberfest and tours, showcasing the extraordinary talent of Canada’s young emerging musicians before they embark on a professional career.

About IWK Health Centre: The IWK Health Centre is a leading pediatric and obstetric health center in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The center is dedicated to providing compassionate care and enhancing the health and well-being of women, children, youth, and families in the Atlantic region.

Media Contact: Emily Dunbar 

Marketing and Communications Manager

416-532-4470 Ext. 225 

edunbar@nyoc.org