Auditions
Candidates will be sent notice by email confirming the status of their application approximately 2 weeks after the application deadline. If your application is accepted, your audition date and time will be indicated on this notice.
Preliminary auditions (closed event)
Friday, April 5, 2024 and Saturday, April 6, 2024
Preliminary auditions will take place in Rehearsal Hall B at the National Arts Centre.
Up to eight finalists will be chosen from the preliminary auditions to compete in the Finals.
Final competition (free admission)
Sunday, April 7, 2024
The finals will take place at the University of Ottawa School of Music in Freiman Hall, Pérez Hall (610 Cumberland Street, Ottawa, Ontario). The public is welcome to attend, and admission is free!
Audition requirements
Solo repertoire
The approved solo repertoire list has been carefully developed and is regularly reviewed by the NAC Orchestra Bursary Committee. In drawing up this list the Committee has chosen pieces which, in terms of length, variety and level of difficulty, best meet the requirements of this Competition. No substitutions will be allowed. Candidates must state their chosen solo repertoire from the approved list at the time of application.
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 preliminary audition, candidates must provide the jury members with six high-quality copies of their solo pieces, with composer and title clearly marked on each sheet.
Orchestral excerpts
In addition to the solo repertoire selections listed, each candidate will be required to perform a selection of excerpts from the orchestral repertoire. Excerpted parts will be forwarded to candidates upon acceptance to the Competition after the closing of the application deadline.
These excerpts are an integral part of the audition; practice and study of these elements should be given as much weight as the solo repertoire.
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 NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition offers its participants an experience that closely resembles a “real world” audition.
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 either the preliminary or final auditions, informal dress appropriate to the occasion would be appreciated. Formal gowns or attire are not necessary.
Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your audition time. A warm-up room will be provided. Scheduled audition times are approximate. Candidates must be ready at least 15 minutes ahead of their scheduled time.