Application deadline: Monday, February 20, 2023 at 5 pm

Total awards up to $21,700

The NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition encourages the pursuit of excellence on the part of young Canadian instrumentalists aspiring to orchestral careers. Each year, a jury identifies deserving recipients through audition and competition.

2023 Competition: Strings and harp

For the 2023 competition, applications will be accepted for stringed instruments – violin, viola, cello, double bass – and the harp.

Preliminary auditions and the final competition will take place at the University of Ottawa School of Music in downtown Ottawa, Ontario from April 21 to 23, 2023. Applicants must be available for the duration of the competition.

The NACO Bursary Competition is open to students following a recognized course of music study in preparation for a career as a professional orchestral musician. Applicants must be between 16 and 26 years of age as of the application closing date, and have a connection to the National Capital Region (eg: grew up in Ottawa, or are currently studying in Ottawa).

Woodwinds, brass, percussion and timpani 

Applications for the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, and timpani and percussion will be accepted for the 2024 Bursary Competition. Keep playing and check back in December 2023 to apply!