NAC Foundation
The thing about music auditions is that it doesn’t matter whether you are playing for a jury in-person or via Zoom, the nerves can hit you just the same. Throughout the spring, in homes throughout the country and around the world, exceptional young musicians who were set to participate in the 2020 NAC’s Institute for Orchestral Studies (IOS) and the NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition tuned up their instruments to perform online for professional musicians.
These wind, strings, and brass musicians were transported to the rehearsal hall as they performed in NAC Orchestra training auditions, private lessons and masterclasses. Charlotte Van Barr, a violinist and 2020 NACO Bursary Competition candidate, shared: ”Being able to participate in the online Bursary Competition and receiving a lesson from Yosuke Kawasaki [NAC Orchestra Concertmaster] was incredibly valuable to my advancement as a violinist. This was a very special opportunity for me and the other members of the competition to be able to work with such esteemed musicians, and during my lesson with Yosuke he brought my attention to aspects of my playing I had never discussed with any other teacher.”
In this year of adaptation and change, IOS and NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition participants as well as candidates to the 2020 NAC Wind Institute and 2020 Double Bass Seminar were treated to some firsts: they received immediate feedback from the audition juries and took part in livestreamed masterclasses that enhanced their learning.
Students were filled with gratitude for the amazing experience. Delia Li, a violinist and 2020 NACO Bursary Competition candidate said, “Thanks to all donors who were so generous to give to such a great organization. Your donation allowed myself and other aspiring young musicians to gain valuable knowledge from the amazing panel of NACO players despite the challenges and barriers that the world's current pandemic have presented. It was amazing that not only were we offered a mock audition through video call where we received great feedback and guidance, we were given private lessons as well. Without your help, this could not have been possible. In a time where I am so excited to make the transition from music student to being in the workforce, this opportunity has done wonders and has inspired me to continue working hard towards my goals in the most constructive way possible!”
All of us at the NAC and the NAC Foundation join Delia in thanking you for championing young artists by supporting music education.
