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This summer, Queen’s acted as a home for 90 of Canada’s most talented and dedicated young musicians who are sharpening their skills in a unique residency.  

Every year an exclusive selection of 16- to 28-year-old classical musicians takes part in a musical bootcamp as part of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada’s (NYO Canada) Horizons Tour. During this six-week program hosted at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, the NYO bridges the transition from music education to career by providing a comprehensive experience nurturing the exceptional talent of these young musicians.

“It’s a rigorous audition process to be accepted into this orchestra,” says Gordon E. Smith, Director of The Isabel. “These young musicians are selected from across Canada, and with them they bring a wide diversity of musical backgrounds. This diversity is embodied in the orchestra and brings a level of richness to the whole experience for the Queen’s community.”

This is the third year Queen’s has hosted the NYO residence, with the exceptional performance and rehearsal facilities providing a state-of-the-art learning experience. 

“The Isabel is well known as one of the best concert halls in Canada for live and recorded performance due to the beautiful acoustics and accessibility of the space,” says Dr. Smith. “But the NYO residency means much more than a sound product being produced. In addition to a high standard of musical performance, the residency provides an opportunity for young musicians together to build community, so they can understand, respect, and learn from one another.”

A final open rehearsal was held on Wednesday, July 17 before the the NYO embarked upon a national tour, including the first concert at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

Exploring Queen’s and Kingston 

The residency is also an opportunity for the students to explore the Queen’s campus and become immersed in the Queen’s community. Among the members currently staying in Legget Hall is soloist and Principal Flutist of the Victoria Symphony Arin Sarkissian, who is taking part in his third NYO residency. Having previously performed and recently recorded his debut album at The Isabel, Sarkissian treasures his time at Queen’s and appreciates how the program has shaped him as an artist. 

“NYO has been such an amazing experience over the summer, it’s basically paradise for musicians,” he says. “The Isabel Bader Centre truly is a cutting-edge facility, and one of the most beautiful venues that I’ve ever performed in. I can’t help but wonder if the sound design and aesthetics serve as inspiration for our music-making.”

As part of the program, participants also take to the stage for a series of public performances. So far, this has included a series of chamber performances by both orchestra members and NYO faculty and it culminated in a full-orchestral performance at the Isabel on July 18. The concert included a diverse program, including classical compositions and contemporary musical works, honoring the past and probing current social and political themes. The NYO now travels west as they continue the Horizon’s tour with their next performance in Winnepeg on July 23. 

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