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MONCTON, N.B. – The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra (NBYO) will cap off the orchestra’s 60th anniversary celebrations with a celebratory Eastern Canada tour from June 28 to July 4.
The province’s top young orchestral musicians will perform in Moncton, St. Andrews, Edmundston, Montreal and Ottawa during the six-day event. Kenn Mainville, NBYO president and CEO, said the tour is a great way to commemorate the orchestra’s 60th anniversary.
“The Eastern Canada tour is the final chapter of our anniversary year, a celebration and a bold statement about who we are and where we're going. We wanted to take this momentous milestone beyond our borders and share the excellence of New Brunswick's young musicians with a broader national audience,” Mainville said. “It’s also a way of honouring our legacy while we continue to build the reputation of Sistema New Brunswick's senior orchestra. By performing in iconic venues and new communities, we're raising our artistic profile and inspiring pride across the province.”
The tour kicks off on Saturday, June 28, at 1 p.m. at POPs NB in Victoria Park in Moncton for a free concert. No tickets are needed for the Moncton event.
The remaining concerts will be held Sunday, June 29 at 2 p.m. at the KIRA Amphitheatre in St. Andrews, $20 admission; Monday, June 30, at 7 p.m. in Edmundston, $25 admission; Wednesday, July 2, at 7 p.m. at Maison Symphonique in Montreal, and Friday, July 4, at 7 p.m. at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Ticket information is available at https://nbyo-ojnb.com/
In keeping with the 60th anniversary theme "Orchestrating a Legacy of Excellence" the orchestra will perform Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, a complex and technical piece usually attempted by professional orchestras. NBYO Conductor and Music Director Tony Delgado is proud of how the young musicians handle the demanding symphony.
“The NBYO musicians have been very successful dealing with such a complex piece, not just technically but musically. They have worked with their individual teachers, our wonderful NBYO coaches, some of them can play the whole thing by ear,” Delgado said. “This demonstrates their understanding of the commitment. We also enhanced our rehearsal time to allow more practice this year. We have worked hard, and the audience will hear the results.”
Delgado said everyone is eager to introduce NBYO performers to new audiences in Montreal and Ottawa.
“Audiences will see and hear a very young orchestra performing this immense challenge with a lot of energy and no lack of excitement. On top of that we will also be performing "Glosa Sinfonica Margaritena" a Venezuelan piece we prepared as a homage to the 50th anniversary of the original "El Sistema" program in Venezuela; a work that is not that common in the repertory of Canadian orchestras,” the conductor said. “The young performers love taking their music on the road and can't wait for it!”
The Eastern Canada tour will see 114 people, 101 musicians and 13 staff and volunteers hit the road in two coach buses, a minivan and several trucks for the instruments and equipment. Jonathan Astley, NBYO Chief Operations Officer, said because the orchestra is moving from city to city, rain dates for outdoor concerts are not possible. Outdoor concerts will go ahead rain or shine.
Generous patrons and sponsors supported public NBYO concerts and 60th Anniversary Gala Dinners throughout the 2024-25 season, making this complex tour possible, said Don Matheson, NBYO Director of Community Engagement.
“These events motivated both orchestra members and several extraordinary philanthropists to help raise funds to pay for our schedule. Individual orchestra members are still working hard throughout the province to garner the financial assistance and community goodwill to enable their tour participation,” Matheson said. “Some of our most loyal and generous patrons have stepped-up to ensure that more Canadians can experience and appreciate the NBYO live and in person. NBYO members will be hosted by Mount Allison University for a pre-tour training camp near the end of June, to help them rehearse and reach their peak performance.”
While on the road the musicians will do some sightseeing, with visits planned to Old Montreal and Mount Royal, Parliament and the Senate in Ottawa, and other locations.
Mainville said the orchestra hopes to see a large turnout to cap off what has been an extraordinary year.
“From our historic performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 to sold-out concerts, audiences have been deeply moved. This season has sparked new energy, attracted new fans, and reaffirmed the NBYO’s place as one of the most accomplished youth orchestras in the country. People are connecting not only with the music but with the mission behind it,” Mainville said.
The CEO said next year will mark the beginning of another great chapter.
“We'll continue building on the momentum of this anniversary year with a renewed focus on expanding access, artistic excellence, and national visibility. The NBYO will welcome a new cohort of outstanding young musicians, launch new collaborations, and explore repertoire that challenges and inspires. Every season brings fresh opportunities to grow, to lead, and to amplify the cultural voice of New Brunswick across Canada and beyond.”
