About the NAC Orchestra Bursary 

The National Arts Centre Orchestra Bursary Competition was first held in 1981. The prime objective of the competition is to encourage the pursuit of excellence on the part of young instrumentalists aspiring to orchestral careers. Each year, a jury identifies deserving recipients through audition and competition.

The Bursary was created in 1979 by members of the NAC Orchestra as a gesture of appreciation to the audiences who had been so supportive of it during its first decade. It is meant to provide recognition and financial support to help further the development of young musicians who have connections to the National Capital Region (NCR). Funding for the award came originally from two sources: the NAC Orchestra Bursary Fund created in 1979 by the members of the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the NAC Orchestra Trust (originally the Capital Trust founded in 1932 to benefit the Ottawa Philharmonic Society which on its demise in 1970 transferred the income to the NAC). It is now known as the NAC Orchestra Trust Fund.

In 1981, one prize of $1,000 – the NAC Orchestra Bursary – was awarded. In subsequent years, thanks to the growth of the Fund as well as the generosity of private organizations and individuals, prizes now total more than $24,000.

See the list of past winners, some of whom went on to become members of the NAC Orchestra!

Equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility

The National Arts Centre (NAC) is committed to creating and sustaining a work environment that is inclusive, anti-racist, accessible, welcoming, and representative of the Canadian diversity.  

The NAC welcomes applications from candidates who can help us meet our vision, and contribute to the diversity of lived experiences, perspectives, and approaches.  When participating in the NACO Bursary Competition, you will be part of an inclusive community working hard to dismantle barriers to employees’ well-being, access, potential, and success. The NAC actively seeks candidates who identify as women, Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour (IBPoC), members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities. We encourage you to self-identify in the recruitment process. 

Land acknowledgement

The NAC is located on the traditional, unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. We are deeply grateful to the elders, artists and community members for their support through the exchange of protocol and knowledge. Their generosity gives meaning and context to everything we do here. We are committed to honouring their language and culture in our ongoing activities and collaborations.