Auditions

Preliminary round of video auditions

The preliminary round of video auditions is due via application submission by March 3, 2025. This video must include a solo work chosen from the given list of solo repertoire as well as the two required orchestral excerpts.

Candidates will be sent notice by email confirming the results of the preliminary round approximately 3 weeks after the application deadline. If you move on to the public semi-final round of auditions, your audition date and time will be indicated on this notice.

Semi-final round of in-person auditions (free admission)

April 22, 2025
University of Ottawa School of Music in Freiman Hall, Pérez Hall (610 Cumberland Street, Ottawa, Ontario)

The semi-final round of auditions will take place in person with a live audience. Eight preliminary round candidates will be selected to play one solo work of their choosing and three jury-selected orchestral excerpts.

Final round of in-person auditions and awards ceremony (free admission)

April 23, 2025
University of Ottawa School of Music in Freiman Hall, Pérez Hall (610 Cumberland Street, Ottawa, Ontario)

The final round of auditions will take place in person with a live audience. Four semi-finalist candidates will be selected to play one solo work chosen by the jury and three different jury-selected orchestral excerpts. After jury deliberations, all NACO Bursary Competition awards will be announced and distributed in Freiman Hall.

Audition requirements

Solo repertoire and orchestral excerpts

The approved solo repertoire list and orchestral excerpt requirements have been carefully developed and are regularly reviewed by the NAC Orchestra Bursary Committee. In drawing up these lists the Committee has chosen pieces and excerpts which, in terms of length, variety and level of difficulty, best meet the requirements of this Competition. No substitutions will be allowed.

Collaborative pianists: Candidates are responsible for providing their own collaborative pianists for the audition. All solo selections requiring accompaniment must be played with accompaniment. Orchestral excerpts are to be performed without accompaniment.

For the semi-final audition, candidates must provide the jury members with six high-quality copies of their solo pieces (accompaniment may be omitted from these copies), with composer and title clearly marked on each page.

Percussion and timpani applicants: 

Please note that all instruments will be provided to you for this competition. You do not need to provide any of your own.

What to expect on audition day

The jury reserves the right to ask any candidate to perform a second time before a final decision is made. The jury also reserves the right to cut short an audition in the interest of time. Auditions may run late.

Dress code: While there is no formal dress code for any of the audition rounds, informal dress appropriate to the occasion would be appreciated. Formal gowns or attire are not necessary.

Be sure to arrive at your designated arrival time on both the semi-final and final audition events. A warm-up room will be provided. Sound checks will be scheduled on the morning of the semi-final round only.