NYO Canada Announces Liam Ritz as the 2026 Winner of the NYO Canada & SOCAN Foundation Composer Mentorship Program
Prolific Young Composer Returns for Major Commission
TORONTO, ON – Friday, March 6, 2026 – The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) and the SOCAN Foundation are thrilled to announce Liam Ritz as the 2026 recipient of the NYO Canada / SOCAN Foundation Composer Mentorship Program. This appointment marks a deepening relationship for Ritz, who first collaborated with NYO Canada in 2022 when he participated in an orchestral reading session through the SOCAN Foundation Emerging Composer Mentor Program.
Ritz’s relationship with NYO Canada has grown steadily since. In 2024, his piece Four Folkless-Songs for harp and violin was premiered at NYO Canada ChamberFest by Rania Boudrias and Anne Duforet. Now, he returns to compose a new commissioned work for the 2026 Orchestra.
“What stood out most to me in both experiences was the players’ dedication and professionalism,” says Ritz. “The NYO musicians approach every rehearsal and performance with focus, curiosity, and a real commitment to the music. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work even more closely with the talented musicians and their Music Director, Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser.”
Recently named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30,” Ritz currently serves as the RBC Affiliate Composer of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. His music has been performed across Canada, the United States, Italy, Finland, Argentina, and Japan. He has received eight SOCAN Foundation Young Composers Awards and has participated in prestigious programs, including the inaugural Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra Composer Fellowship Program (2018/19), the Bowdoin International Music Festival Composition Program (2024), and the Graham Sommer Competition for Young Composers (2026).
“When I hit submit, I honestly wasn’t sure if I was the right fit for the program,” Ritz recalls his 2025 application. “In the music world, you quickly learn to be at peace with submitting many applications, never quite sure what will stick — it was definitely an added bonus though that this one worked out!”
For Ritz, composing for young performers offers a special opportunity. “Some of these players may never have worked with a living composer or even played contemporary music, so it’s exciting to be a part of this experience with them,” he explains. “I also hope they enjoy a sense of ownership. This music was written for them — it is their music, and they are truly an important part of the process, and the story of how the piece will come to be.”
His hope extends beyond a single performance: “I want them to leave this experience feeling excited by the idea of performing contemporary music. The future of this art form is reliant on us continuing to nurture both the next generation of performers and the next generation of composers. It’s a community effort!”
NYO Canada’s CEO Christie Gray reflects on the significance of this partnership: “Our collaboration with emerging composers like Liam and organizations like the SOCAN Foundation is central to our mission. We’re committed to nurturing young artists as they begin their professional careers, creating a community that supports them in developing their artistry and taking creative risks. This is how we ensure the future for the next generation of musical innovators in Canada.”
The SOCAN Foundation’s partnership with NYO Canada exemplifies its commitment to nurturing emerging Canadian composers. “The SOCAN Foundation believes in celebrating the achievements of young emerging artists,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director SOCAN Foundation. “Our collaboration with NYO Canada creates meaningful opportunities for composers like Liam to develop their craft, work with exceptional young musicians, and contribute to the future of Canadian orchestral music.”
The world premiere of Ritz’s new composition will take place on July 18th in Toronto during NYO Canada’s 2026 Canadiana tour, with additional performances in Parry Sound and Ottawa performed by Canada’s brightest young orchestral musicians.
About Liam Ritz
Liam Ritz (b. 1996) is a Canadian composer based in Toronto, Ontario. His works have been performed across Canada, as well as in the United States, Italy, Finland, Argentina, and Japan. He has received eight SOCAN Foundation Young Composers Awards, a City of Hamilton Arts Award, and has been selected for prestigious programs, including the inaugural Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Composer Fellowship Program (2018/2019) and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Composers Institute. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Ritz currently serves as the RBC Affiliate Composer of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (2024/25 to 2026/27 seasons). His compositions have been supported by the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, the RBC Emerging Artists Project, and the SOCAN Foundation.
Learn more about Liam here:
Website: https://www.liamritz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lritzritz?igsh=MWdlZnpvN2t1eGlwcQ==
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/liamritz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLOlIBPxlrWTv1vxtyaXJiA
About SOCAN Foundation:
SOCAN Foundation is dedicated to empowering the next generation of music creators and music publishers. The Foundation is an independent organization guided by its board of directors, consisting of songwriters, composers, and music publishers. Learn more about their programs for music composers here: https://www.socanfoundation.ca/programs/