May 25 – June 8, 2025

Community engagement & cultural exchange

Inspired by the belief that music is a universal language connecting people through shared experiences, the NAC Orchestra's Learning and Community Engagement programs provide opportunities for individuals across Canada and around the globe—from families and youth to early-career professionals—to experience the transformative power of the performing arts and cultivate a lifelong connection to music.  

As part of its tour to the Republic of Korea and Japan, the NAC Orchestra and its creative partners will participate in community engagement activities rooted in accessibility, inclusivity, and collaboration with local communities. From performances to workshops to masterclasses, these programs will foster meaningful cultural exchange, highlight the strength of Canadian arts and culture, and help make music available and equitable for all.

Emerging Artist Training

Since its founding in 1969, the NAC Orchestra has supported emerging artists through its world-class mentorship and professional development programs. During this tour, early-career musicians in Korea and Japan will strengthen their craft through relaxed knowledge-sharing sessions, including masterclasses led by NAC Orchestra musicians and guest artists, conducting workshops by Alexander Shelley and Henry Kennedy, sit-downs with Canadian composers Kelly-Marie Murphy and Keiko Devaux, and small ensemble performances. Former participants of the NACO Mentorship Program will also perform alongside the NAC Orchestra throughout the tour.

Spotlight on Disability Arts 

In partnership with Canada’s National accessArts Centre, the nation’s first multidisciplinary disability arts company, NAC Orchestra musicians and guest artists will partner with local organizations in Korea and Japan to produce performances and activities supporting artists with disabilities. These community-focused events will include adaptive workshops and a pre-concert performance in Seoul led by Canadian violinist and disability advocate Adrian Anantawan and performances in Tokyo and at Expo 2025 Osaka featuring Friends of El Sistema Japan’s Tokyo Children’s Ensemble.

Supporting the Next Generation of Musicians 

To promote cultural exchange and foster an international community of young musicians, members of two Canadian Sistema programs, OrKidstra and Sistema New Brunswick, will travel to Japan to participate in side-by-side activities with Friends of El Sistema Japan, including a performance with the NAC Orchestra at Expo 2025 Osaka. In Korea, NAC Orchestra musicians will lead learning and performance events with Orchestra of Dream (El Sistema Korea), celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025. 

Creative Partners

  • Resident Conductor Henry Kennedy
  • adrian-anantawan-headshot-cropped
    Violinist Adrian Anantawan
  • Composer Kelly-Marie Murphy
  • Composer Keiko Devaux
  • Music Ensemble OrKidstra
  • Music Ensemble Sistema New Brunswick
  • dscf0403-greggory-clark-1
    Musicians from the NACO Mentorship Program

Regional partners

Emerging Artist Training

  • Kyoto City University of Arts
  • Senzoku Gakuen College of Music
  • Tokyo University of Arts
  • Toho Gakuen School of Music
  • Yewon School 

Spotlight on Disability Arts

  • Heart to Heart Art & Culture
  • ArtWecan
  • BiG-I International Communications Center for Persons with Disabilities
  • Friends of El Sistema Japan 

Supporting the Next Generation

  • Friends of El Sistema Japan
  • Korea Arts & Culture Education Service (KACES) 
  • Orchestra of Dream – El Sistema Korea
  • Tour Champions Earle O'Born & Janice O'Born, C.M., O.Ont.
  • Education Partner Dasha Shenkman, OBE, Hon RCM
  • Supporting Partners Adrian Burns, LL.D. & Gregory Kane, K.C.
  • Supporting Partner R.N.C. Tennant