NAO

The National Academy Orchestra of Canada (NAO)

 APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

About the NAO

The National Academy Orchestra of Canada is Canada’s top professional training orchestra. It is a National Arts Training Program, supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The Training Program

The NAO provides an intensive orchestral performance experience along with mentorship and training in preparation for successful professional careers. A real-to-life rehearsal and performance schedule of varied classical concerts, opera, Pops and more. The NAO is unparalleled in its training approach which also includes masterclasses, seminars, mock auditions and runout tours. Professional development is provided by some of Canada’s leading musicians and mentors. The NAO program aims to enhance employment opportunities and offers strategies to maintain a long and healthy career. Under the baton of Artistic Director & Conductor Tania Miller, the NAO is orchestra-in-residence for Ontario’s only and Canada’s largest orchestral music festival, based in Hamilton, Ontario.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something exceptional!

Audition Information

Program Dates

June 23, 2025 - August 15, 2025

Application Deadlines

Early Bird
Until Jan 04, 2025
Standard
Jan 05, 2025 to Feb 09, 2025

All materials must be submitted no later than February 9, 2025, 11:59 pm

Application Fee

Early Bird Online Applications ($60)
Regular Online Applications ($75)

Virtual Auditions

We will be accepting recorded auditions only this year. Upload your audition to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive etc and share links accordingly. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Eligibility

Post-secondary applicants (18-30 years) with preference for candidates with B.Mus, Artist Diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number ( Citizen, Permanent Resident or Student Visa).

Audition Requirements

Click on an item below to view excerpt list.  Please check with the Orchestra Manager if you wish to use a completed audition recording from another program.

Please Note:  English Horn, Bass Clarinet, and Contrabassoon are optional.

2025 NAO Repertoire Highlights

Classical, opera, chamber, pops and contemporary

  • Brahms Symphony No. 3
  • Prokofiev (Selections from) Romeo and Juliet
  • Bizet Carmen (full opera with BrottOpera)
  • Stravinsky Rite of Spring
  • Opera in Concert evening of arias with BrottOpera
  • Beethoven Symphony No. 5
  • Strauss Don Juan
  • Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien
  • Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3
  • Respighi Pines of Rome

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to audition?

All post-secondary applicants welcome (18-30 years) with preference for candidates with B.Mus, Artist Diploma or equivalent.

Can I apply if I'm not a Canadian Citizen?

The short answer is NO. However, if your SIN number denoting Permanent Resident (beginning with “9”) or have a student Visa that expires AFTER September 1, 2025, you are eligible to  apply to the NAO.

Do I have to live in Hamilton?

Living in Hamilton (or as close as possible) is highly recommended to make the most of your time in he NAO’s intensive program. With a full schedule, you’ll benefit from easy access to rehearsals and a supportive community, plus more time to practice, socialize, and recharge. Hamilton has bike-friendly routes, scenic trails, and plenty of dining and cultural options. While we encourage you to explore all that Greater Hamilton has to offer,  the decision and responsibility to rent etc. is ultimately yours. We understand that if you are from out of town or province, this can be a daunting prospect so our BMF team is here to answer questions and support your housing search if you need guidance. Email us at [email protected] for assistance.

Where will I live in Hamilton?

While securing accommodations will be your responsibility, we’re here to provide some helpful guidance to simplify the process. We recommend finding housing as close as possible to McMaster University Main Campus, where most rehearsals and workshops will occur. Sublet options are often available in the nearby Westdale neighborhood. If you have questions or need support during your search, our Ambassador Program—made up of community members—will be here to help. Contact [email protected] to connect with an Ambassador for guidance on housing options.

 

I'm an NAO alumni. Am I eligible to re-audition?

Yes! The NAO welcomes all alumni to  re-audition, provided you are within the age limit. 

Does NAO pay travel for out of town participants?

No, participants are responsible to arrange and pay for their own travel.

How much does it cost to apply?

The application fee for 2025 is $75 CAD.   Early bird registration – avail now– January 4, 2025 is $60. Please note (new in 2025) you can submit your form and fee BEFORE your Audition recording. Contact [email protected]

What will happen after the auditions?

Candidates will be notified by the orchestra manager whether application is successful or not:

  1. the applicant has been accepted to the program
  2. the applicant is being considered for placement as an alternate
  3. the applicant did not get selected for the program
I have some questions not addressed here or I’m having problems with the application form? Who do I contact?

Please contact Orchestra Manager Woosol Cho at [email protected] or Brott Festival office at 905.525.7664.

NAO reserves the right to refuse any application. 

The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Can I use another recorded audition I made for another program?

We will accept material that was completed for other comparable North American or International festivals which includes minimum 4 orchestral excerpts. Please get in touch with our Orchestra Mananager ([email protected]) to confirm eligibility. 

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