Niagara Youth Orchestra Association
12-111 Fourth Avenue, Suite #148, St. Catharines
Phone: 905-704-0559 | Website
For over thirty-five years, the Niagara Youth Orchestra (NYO) has been offering musical training and education for young musicians in the Niagara Region and upper New York State, through professional coaching, orchestra rehearsals and concerts. During the early seasons, the orchestra entered the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, frequently placing first, and in 1969 it was invited to play at the Grand Finale Concert in Massey Hall. In centennial year, the NYO appeared at Expo '67 in Montreal and was also featured on a television segment of "Music in Your Life". In 1973, the orchestra sent an unprecedented 12 members to the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.
The NYO continues to host various national and international musical groups, both orchestral and choral. Members attend music festivals and workshops within North America and, since 1986, the orchestra has enjoyed five concert tours, the last being to western Canada during the summer of 2002. Each season, the orchestra performs a series of three concerts often featuring concertos and solo pieces performed by NYO members. Over the years, the NYO has released two recordings: a record in the early 1970's and "Performance '98", in CD and cassette format, in the spring of 1998.
This season marks Maestro Michael Newnham’s fifth season with the orchestra. The orchestra has continued to grow and constantly seek opportunities to provide heightened experiences for young musicians. In the mid-80's, a Chamber Orchestra of committed NYO members was formed. These musicians play a wider and more varied selection of music through their own concert series. In response to a demand for more opportunity for younger, less experienced musicians, the Junior Ensemble Program was initiated in 1985 and, in 1993, it became the Junior Orchestra under the baton of Laura Thomas.
 Laura Thomas conducted her final concert with the Junior Niagara Youth Orchestra on Sat. May 31st.
Concert was 'Mother Russia's Day' at the Sean O'Sullivan Theatre, Brock University.
Laura Thomas has been conducting the Junior orchestra since the inception of the junior program 15 years ago. Laura will now be the 'new' conductor for the Senior Niagara Youth Orchestra in the fall 2008. A conductor search for the 'juniors' is underway by the Niagara Youth Orchestra Association.
The above photo is Laura Thomas and 2 of her youngest musicians of the Junior Niagara Youth Orchestra after their final concert of this year's season. Joseph Pancoe and Victoria Pancoe. |
Today there are approximately 50 musicians in each of the orchestras (NYO and JNYO). Ensemble instruction and orchestral training take place at weekly rehearsals. The program demands discipline and responsibility from every member, thus creating a valuable educational experience. Many graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers in the musical field.
The orchestra is fortunate to have a very active volunteer organization. The continued support of our sponsors, audience, parents and friends (many of whom are former NYO members) is highly valued and greatly appreciated.
Niagara Youth Orchestra Association
12-111 Fourth Avenue, Suite #148, St. Catharines
Phone: 905-704-0559 | Website
