The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYOC), is embarking on the TD Music 50th Anniversary National Tour, with Maestro Jacques Lacombe on the podium. The NYOC is Canada's advanced orchestral training institute for musicians ages 16 to 28. Its mission is to educate, elevate, and empower Canada’s most gifted young orchestral musicians. This tour will be the first time in five years these exceptional youth will travel to the west coast. Canadian composer, the late Jacques Hétu, who composed Sur les rives du Saint-Maurice, a work dedicated to Maestro Lacombe will be featured on this tour.

Currently celebrating its 50th season, the NYOC will perform at The Port Theatre on August 5th at 7:30 p.m. and will present: Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice; Hétu’s Sur les rives du Saint-Maurice; Ravel’s La Valse; and Stravinsky’s Petrouchka (1947 version).

The National Youth Orchestra of Canada provides valuable training to young classical musicians considering an orchestra career: preparing chamber and orchestral repertoire, rehearsing, and preparing for the rigours of frequent performing and touring. From a record number of 623 applications, 94 young musicians from across Canada, who range in age from 16- 28, were chosen through auditions held in major cities across the country in January.

“As the NYOC prepares to celebrate its 50 year history, these 94 young musicians find themselves in very distinguished company,” says Barbara Smith, Executive Director of the NYOC. “Many of Canada’s professional orchestral musicians are alumni of the NYOC, making our organization a true Canadian treasure. Also, the NYOC’s received a JUNO nomination for its 2009 CD/DVD in the category of Classical Album of the Year: Large Ensemble. 2010 is certainly a milestone year for the NYOC.”

Forty percent of Canada’s professional orchestral musicians are alumni of the NYOC. Over the years, the reviews and praise bestowed on the NYOC have been nothing short of amazing. The NYOC was awarded the prestigious title, “the best youth orchestra in the world” at the World Youth Orchestra Conference in Tokyo. In 2010, the NYOC received a JUNO nomination for its 2009 CD/DVD in the category of Classical Album: Large Ensemble or Soloist.

The National Youth Orchestra of Canada & The Port Theatre gratefully acknowledge TD Music, the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Ontario Arts Council, and the BC Arts Council.