The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is delighted to announce its return to Kingston for its highly anticipated summer session and its new collaboration with Sistema Kingston for a ‘Day-in-the-life’ Experience. 

From June 11, 2023, to July 15, 2023, NYO Canada will be in residence at Queen’s University and the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts (“The Isabel” and the DAN School of Drama and Music’s Harrison LeCaine Hall. The summer institute will include Chamber concerts led by a renowned international faculty, and orchestral rehearsals and performances led by internationally acclaimed Music Director Sascha Goetzel. 

Since 1960, NYO Canada has been the country’s leading youth classical music organization attracting young people (ages 16 to 28) nationwide and preparing them for successful careers as professional orchestral musicians. Under the guidance of our world-renowned faculty, members participate in a five-week summer training institute that includes lessons, sectionals, workshops, mental health resources, and performing opportunities culminating in a free Chamberfest Concert Series (June 14th – June 30th) an open rehearsal (July 13th 9:30-12) and tour (kicking off in Kingston on July 14th and making stops on the East Coast through to August 2nd). 

In addition to free programming, new to 2023, NYOC members and mentors will have a unique opportunity to inspire and empower aspiring young Kingstonians through a collaboration with Sistema Kingston. 

The ‘Day in the Life’ experience with NYO Canada and Sistema Kingston will take place on July 12th at The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts and involve a range of activities tailored to young Kingstonian musicians: 

• • Introduction to NYO Canada with CEO Christie Gray 
• • Interactive outdoor activities 
• • Attend Choir Rehearsal with Mitchell Paddy 
• • Attend Orchestral Rehearsal and Q&A Session with NYO Canada’s Maestro Sascha Goetzel. 

“It is an incredible opportunity for young musicians to witness the dedication and talent of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. The ‘Day in the Life’ experience allows participants to learn from some of the finest musicians in the country, providing a transformative and inspiring musical journey,” said Christie Gray, CEO of NYO Canada. 

NYO Canada is proud to collaborate with Sistema Kingston and sincerely thanks the Kingston community for their warm hospitality and support. This summer session promises to be a celebration of talent, dedication, and the transformative power of music. 

NYO Canada would like to the Government of Canada, Ontario Arts Council, RBC Foundation’s Emerging Artists Program, and especially the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston in support of the “Day in the Life” Program, and Queen’s University and The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts for their support in the NYO Canada Chamberfest Concert Series and, Open Rehearsal. 

About NYO 

The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) recruits the best young classical musicians from across the country and prepares them for careers as professional orchestral musicians. Each year, NYO auditions more than 500 musicians between the age of 16 – 28. Mentored by world-renowned faculty of professional musicians and educators, orchestra members participate in the NYO Canada Chamberfest and Orchestral Training Institute, including a recording session and a concert tour with performances in Canada and abroad in some of the world’s finest concert halls. 

As the bridge between music education and a music career, NYO Canada’s vision is to launch Canada’s next generation of professional orchestral musicians by offering a comprehensive program encompassing a full range of skills and experiences, entirely tuition-free. Additionally, each orchestra member receives a generous scholarship from our sponsors and donors. 

The mandate of NYO Canada is to discover and inspire well-rounded and skilled orchestral musicians, to support and promote Canadian emerging composers and artists, and to build appreciation for classical music among audiences in every corner of the nation. 

NYO Canada expresses gratitude for the invaluable support of the Government of Canada, Ontario Arts Council, and the RBC Foundation Emerging Artist Program, alongside numerous other generous donor organizations. 

About Sistema Kingston 

Sistema Kingston is an intensive after-school music program that aims to create positive social change through the pursuit of musical excellence. The program is based at the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University in collaboration with the Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library, the Limestone District School Board, and the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. 

Inspired by the Venezuelan El Sistema model, Sistema Kingston provides free, group-centred music instruction to children, emphasizing inclusivity, teamwork, personal persistence, creativity, and personal responsibility. The program believes in the transformative power of music and its ability to empower students to reach their full potential as learners, musicians, and responsible citizens. 

Sistema Kingston’s approach to music education aligns with the core principles of the 

El Sistema movement emphasizes the belief that every child has the right to music and the opportunities it brings. By offering tuition-free access to music education and ensemble playing, 

Sistema Kingston strives to inspire and empower young musicians, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their musical journeys. 

Since its launch in 2015, Sistema Kingston has been dedicated to offering an immersive, high-quality musical experience for young learners in the Kingston community, and aims to break down barriers and enable students to explore their musical talents and develop their skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. 

Through its after-school music program, Sistema Kingston instills important values such as discipline, teamwork, and creativity in its participants. By fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for personal growth, the program not only contributes to the musical development of its students but also nurtures their overall well-being and confidence. 

Sistema Kingston’s collaboration with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) for the “Day in the Life” experience further exemplifies its commitment to providing enriching opportunities to its students. Through this collaboration, aspiring musicians in the Kingston community will have a unique chance to learn from and interact with members and mentors of NYO Canada, gaining firsthand insights into the world of professional orchestral music. 

Funded through grants, donations and in-kind support, Sistema Kingston is grateful for the ongoing commitments of Queen’s University, Bader Philanthropies, the City of Kingston Arts Fund, The Isabel, the Ballytobin Foundation, The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library, Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, Limestone District School Board, and the Kingston community as a whole. Together, they work towards creating a vibrant and inclusive musical ecosystem that nurtures young talent and fosters a lifelong love and appreciation for music.