The National Arts Centre’s Institute for Orchestral Studies apprenticeship program will begin accepting applications starting on Monday, April 8 th . Students have until May 17th
2019 to apply for this unique, all expense paid four-week apprenticeship opportunity.
OTTAWA, April 8, 2019 — The National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra’s Institute for Orchestral Studies (IOS) is accepting applications until May 17, 2019, from talented young string musicians, who can apply for a once in a lifetime paid apprenticeship.
The program runs for four weeks from March 14 to April 10, 2020 and applications are open to string musicians in their undergraduate and graduate years of study and to those who have completed their education. The one-of-a-kind training program gives students the opportunity to learn from the world-class musicians of the NAC Orchestra and its extraordinary line-up of guest soloists and conductors – letting them try out their dream of becoming a professional musician. The Institute for Orchestral Studies (IOS) was developed in 2006 under the leadership of NAC Orchestra Conductor Emeritus Pinchas Zukerman (then Music Director).
It was created as a training program to help emerging musicians bridge the gap between their studies and a professional orchestral career. Now celebrating its 13 th season, the unique apprenticeship program has trained more than 60 students from all around the world. Today, it continues to provide musicians with the rigorous training and mentorship they need to jump-start theirprofessional orchestral careers. Five apprentices will be selected by video audition for an all-expense paid experience of a life-time.
During four weeks of the NAC Orchestra’s 2019-20 season, apprentices will have the
opportunity to play under the guidance of Music Director Alexander Shelley and with guest
conductors and artists, who will challenge the apprentices with a variety of inspiring repertoire.
Some of the notable concert highlights will include Kawasaki Performs Kaprowski, featuring
NAC Orchestra Concertmaster Yosuke Kawasaki and Evelyn Glennie’s Percussion.
The IOS apprentices will rehearse and perform in concert beside the musicians of the National
Arts Centre Orchestra. The “side-by-side” experience is one of the unique aspects of the
Institute, wherein students learn from working professionals and mentors who will offer
feedback, support and advice. Apprentices are also mentored on playing in section, their
professional demeanor on and off stage, in private lessons, ensemble rehearsals and mock
auditions. This well-rounded training program enhances their experience and prepares the
apprentices for successful orchestral careers.
As violinist and apprentice, Jorie Butler-Geyer IOS 2016-17 explains: “The IOS program has given me the tools and experience to succeed as an orchestral musician, all in a highly
professional and inspiring environment. For young musicians looking for a real life experience with a world-class ensemble, look no further than the NACO IOS. Working with some of the most respected orchestral musicians from around the world has given me a valuable perspective on exactly what it takes to live the life of an orchestra member, and has strengthened my commitment to further my studies and aim towards a professional career.”
The NAC Institute for Orchestral Studies (IOS) is proudly supported by the RBC Emerging
Artist Project with additional support by the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust.
To learn more and to apply: https://nac-cna.ca/en/orchestralstudies.
ABOUT THE NAC ORCHESTRA
Formed in 1969 at the opening of Canada's National Arts Centre, the NAC Orchestra gives over
100 performances a year with renowned artists including Itzhak Perlman, Renée Fleming,
James Ehnes, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma. It is noted for the passion and clarity of its
performances and recordings, its ground-breaking teaching and outreach programs, and
nurturing of Canadian creativity. Since its inception, the Orchestra has commissioned 80 works,
mostly from Canadian composers.