The National Academy Orchestra of Canada (NAO)
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2026 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. NAO Musicians engage in 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 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 serves as the orchestra-in-residence for Ontario’s only and Canada’s largest orchestral music festival, the Brott Music Festival, based in Hamilton, Ontario.
All 2026 NAO musicians will receive a salary of $500 per week for the duration of the program.
Tania Miller
Artistic Director & Conductor
Martin MacDonald
Artistic Partner
Woosol Cho
Orchestra Manager/Librarian
Audition Information
Program Dates
June 22 – August 16, 2026
Application Deadlines
Applications are closed for the season
Application Fee
$75 payable by credit card during sign-up
Virtual Auditions
We will be accepting recorded auditions only this year. Upload your audition to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or another platform and share the link(s) accordingly. If you have any questions, please contact: Orchestra Manager
Eligibility
Post-secondary applicants (ages 18–30/ 35 for Assistant Conductors) with preference for candidates holding a B.Mus, Artist Diploma, or equivalent. Applicants must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Student Visa).
Don’t miss your chance to be part of something exceptional!
Audition Requirements
Click on an item below to view full requirements.
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
- Flute (Updated Jan 10)
- Oboe (Updated Jan 19)
- Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Trumpet
- French Horn
- Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Tuba
- Percussion (Updated Feb 12)
- Assistant Conductor
Repertoire Highlights
- Stravinsky -Petrouchka (1947)
- Sibelius – Symphony No. 2
- Puccini – La Boheme
- Mahler – Symphony No. 9 (Mvmt 1 and 2)
- Strauss – Till Eulenspiegel’s “Merry Pranks”
- Gorecki – Symphony No. 3
- Beethoven – Symphony No. 8
- Copland – Appalachian Spring
- Ravel – La Valse
- Schubert – Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished”
Frequently Asked Questions
All post-secondary applicants welcome (18-30 years) with preference for candidates with B.Mus, Artist Diploma or equivalent.
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.
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.
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.
Yes! The NAO welcomes all alumni to re-audition, provided you are within the age limit.
No, participants are responsible to arrange and pay for their own travel.
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]
Candidates will be notified by the orchestra manager whether application is successful or not:
- the applicant has been accepted to the program
- the applicant is being considered for placement as an alternate
- the applicant did not get selected for the program
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.