NAC Orchestra Artist Training
The National Arts Centre Orchestra is uniquely positioned to identify and foster talented individuals in the performing arts. Promising musicians are given significant training and performance opportunities through the many programmes of the NAC Orchestra.
Summer Music Institute (SMI)
Celebrating the 10th Summer Music Institute in June 2008, the SMI has become a world-renowned magnet for the best young Canadian and international classical artists, providing world-class instruction for especially gifted young musicians, conductors and composers.
In 1999, the National Arts Centre’s Music Director Pinchas Zukerman founded the Young Artists Programme (YAP) with just 10 students. Over the years, the programme has grown to include the Conductors Programme (CP) directed by Maestro Kenneth Kiesler and the Composers Programme (CMP) directed by NAC Award Composer, Gary Kulesha. Together, they make up what we know today as the Summer Music Institute. To learn more about the history of the SMI, go to the SMI Timeline.
With an exceptional international faculty and students of the highest calibre, the Summer Music Institute brings the world to Canada and Canada to the world. In 2007, over 80 young people came from across Canada and around the world to Ottawa to experience intensive learning, passionate pedagogy and new-found friendships at the National Arts Centre.
This would not be possible without the support of our donors. Thank you to those donors who provide support to the Summer Music Institute through the National Performers’ Circle, Donors’ Circle, National Youth and Education Trust and the following corporations:
NAC Institute for Orchestral Studies
The NAC under the direction of Music Director Pinchas Zukerman in 2007 established the pre-professional NAC Institute for Orchestral Studies charged with developing highly talented musicians for orchestral careers. This kind of advanced training program is rare in North America but is increasingly common in Europe. The goals of the IOS are to provide a real-world workplace experience for exceptionally talented students at a post-secondary or graduate level and to help prepare young musicians entering orchestral careers. Five string musicians will be selected to rehearse and upon approval, perform with the NAC Orchestra in five non-consecutive weeks of the NAC Orchestra’s 2008-2009 season. In addition to playing within the string section of the NAC Orchestra, the five young musicians will be mentored by members of the NAC Orchestra, and receive individual instruction and professional development including training for professional orchestral auditions.
NACO Bursary Competition
The NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition provides Canadian music students the opportunity to compete for several cash prizes from a purse of up to $18,500. Eligible candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 24 whose family homes or principal residences are in the National Capital Region (Canada) and who are pursuing careers as professional orchestral musicians. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
