Toronto, ON – May 1, 2024 – The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is thrilled to announce the renewal of the transformative J&W Murphy Initiative for Mental Health and Wellness thanks to an increased commitment of $261,000 over three years from the J&W Murphy Foundation. This vital initiative, now entering its seventh year, expands through a groundbreaking collaboration with Xenia Concerts, offering workshops to prioritize well-being within classical music and foster a healthier, more equitable and inclusive future for young musicians and the music industry. 

“This multifaceted program goes beyond immediate support for our musicians,” says NYO Canada CEO Christie Gray. “We’re investing in their foundational well-being, fostering a more inclusive future for classical music. By prioritizing mental health practices now, young artists cultivate the resilience needed for fulfilling careers, enriched lives, and consistent high performance as professional musicians.” 

A New Era of Wellbeing: Equitable Access and Holistic Health 

NYO Canada’s program eliminates economic barriers and destigmatizes mental healthcare access, providing free, comprehensive support. This includes individual therapy, & group therapy, nutrition, stress management workshops, physical therapy, and registered massage therapy. The program promotes physical wellness and injury prevention to reduce additional stressors. 

Xenia Concerts, known for their expertise in creating inclusive performing arts experiences, joins forces with NYO Canada to develop an accessibility and self-care support framework specifically tailored to the needs of today’s young musicians. Through collaborative workshops, young musicians will explore: 

• Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: Fostering collaboration and understanding within diverse ensembles. 
• Inclusive Teamwork: Building healthy boundaries and communication skills to create rewarding, inclusive experiences. 
• Self-Care Planning: Developing personalized plans to manage stress, recognize limits, and prioritize well-being for a sustainable career. 
• Inclusive Concert Design: Learning to curate concerts that welcome and resonate with diverse audiences, fostering a sense of belonging. 

“This innovative collaboration with Xenia Concerts empowers young musicians with the skills needed to navigate the realities of the classical music world,” says Xenia Concerts Executive and Artistic Director Rory McLeod. “We’re not just promoting mental health; we’re equipping them to create more welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone.” 

This commitment reflects a growing awareness of mental health challenges faced by both young people and those within the classical music industry. NYO Canada’s proactive approach aligns 

with research highlighting the importance of building skills needed to support mental health and wellness during formative years. 

NYO Canada and Xenia Concerts lead by example, prioritizing the well-being of young artists while expanding access and fostering a love of music throughout communities. 

About The J&W Murphy Initiative for Mental Health and Wellness: NYO Canada’s program eliminates economic barriers and destigmatizes mental healthcare access, providing free, comprehensive support. This includes individual therapy, & group therapy, nutrition, stress management workshops, physical therapy, and registered massage therapy. The program promotes physical wellness and injury prevention to reduce additional stressors.

About Xenia Concerts: Xenia Concerts works with the neurodiversity and disability communities to create exceptional, accessible performing arts experiences that embrace differences and promote inclusion. Deeply rooted in direct community engagement and evidence-based research, the organization has established itself as a leading resource for accessible arts programming and training. Xenia’s core offering is a series of Adaptive Concerts (formerly “sensory-friendly concerts”), a series of family-friendly events that welcome and support neurodivergent and disabled attendees, especially children and youth.

Since 2014, Xenia Concerts has provided inspiring concert experiences to thousands of listeners who often face barriers to inclusion in typical concert environments. The organization now presents over 30 concerts per year in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and BC; engages disabled and neurodivergent youth and adults in concert design; and works with artists and arts organizations to help them improve their accessibility practices. Xenia Concerts expresses gratitude to its funders, partners, and donors for supporting its vision for a more inclusive and accessible future in the arts.