News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The YOA Orchestra of the Americas, a world-class symphony orchestra composed of musical leaders from 25 countries, will hold its 2015 residency program in New Brunswick from July 5 to 17.

“This is the first time YOA Orchestra of the Americas will hold its annual residency program in Canada,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “Hosting the orchestra is a great opportunity to showcase New Brunswick to the world, which will in turn help us garner international investment into our economy. Young people in our province who are setting their own goals will have an opportunity to see the accomplishments that stem from hard work, discipline and determination.”

Led by artistic advisor Placido Domingo, the YOA Orchestra of the Americas is composed of gifted musical leaders, ages 18 to 30.

“YOA Orchestra of the Americas is special in the world for a number of reasons,” said Ken MacLeod, president and CEO of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra (NBYO).  “We will experience great artists, great faculty, and great music. But just as important, YOA is focused on how to be engaged with their partners and the community; how to make a meaningful contribution. We will also enjoy the diverse cultural backgrounds of the musicians and their youthful fun and optimism. We are in for a treat.”

In addition to the musicians, the residency will include 40 others, notably, a faculty of principal musicians from the world’s top orchestras – the Berlin Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra of New York, the Rome Opera Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra London, and others, as well as world-class conductors, composers and guest artists.

“This year we received 2,200 auditions for 80 seats in the orchestra,” said Nina Wier, executive director of YOA.  “We are especially pleased to draw attention to the 13 Canadians selected, including three from Sistema NB, Kathryn Clarke, trumpet; Julie Rochus, French horn; and Maestro Antonio Delgado, conductor. Another New Brunswick and Moncton native, and NBYO alumnus, Kristan Toczko, out-competed 35 fellow harp applicants to win the single spot available in this year’s orchestra.”

As part of the residency program, the orchestra will stage four performances in New Brunswick, including two in Moncton and single performances in Fredericton and Saint John.

Members of Sistema NB, a free after-school music program designed to inspire children and youth to achieve their full potential and to acquire the values they need to grow and to have a positive impact in society, will also have an opportunity to participate in joint performance and music camp days with the YOA Orchestra of the Americas.

Following the New Brunswick Residency, YOA will travel to Toronto where they will perform in two concerts at the Pan-Am Games, followed by the Stratford Festival, and then on to Quebec where they will perform at that province’s most prestigious festivals and venues.

The provincial government is investing $30,000 towards hosting the residency program.