Niagara Youth Orchestra Association

12-111 Fourth Avenue, Suite #148, St. Catharines
Phone: 905-704-0559 | Website

For over 45 years, the Niagara Youth Orchestra has been offering musical training and education for young musicians in the Niagara Region. As an addition to school music programs and private lessons, the students are guided in their musical training by the professional conducting and coaching staff of the NYO. The musicians rehearse both as an orchestra and in woodwind, brass, percussion and string ensembles. Today there are approximately 130 musicians in the Niagara Youth Orchestra.

While the senior orchestra program demands discipline and responsibility from every member, the junior orchestra provides an opportunity for junior members to develop skill and experience in performance.

The St. Catharines Junior Symphony was formed and directed under the baton of Paul van Dongen in 1965, was later renamed the St. Catharines Youth Orchestra, and in 1980 became known as the Niagara Youth Orchestra. 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 music groups, both orchestral and band. Members attend music festivals and workshops and 5 regular concerts. The summer of 2008, the NYO toured Europe and in 2011 will be playing at the Vimy Memorial in France.

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. 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 opportunities for younger, less experienced musicians, the Junior Ensemble Program was initiated in 1985, and in 1993, became the Junior Orchestra under the baton of Laura Thomas.

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