January 20, 2004 -

Ottawa, Canada -- Applications are now being accepted for the 2004 National Arts Centre Summer Music Institute. With National Arts Centre Orchestra Music Director Pinchas Zukerman as its Artistic Director, the Summer Music Institute (SMI) includes the NAC Young Artists Programme (June 11 to July 3, 2004) and the NAC Conductors Programme (June 21 to 29, 2004). The NAC Young Composers Programme also continues in 2004 with application by invitation only.

Applications to the Summer Music Institute can be made online at the National Arts Centre website www.nac-cna.ca.  On the main page, click the “Summer Music Institute 2004” box and follow the links  to each programme for full details and audition requirements. Otherwise, interested students may contact Christy Harris at (613) 947-7000, ext. 568, or write for information to the NAC Summer Music Institute, P.O. Box 1534, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 5W1.

The NAC Young Artists Programme was created by Pinchas Zukerman in 1999 in order to provide gifted young musicians with training at the highest level in chamber music and individual instruction for strings and piano. The Programme seeks to identify and foster young musical talent through intensive instruction led by a highly respected and internationally renowned faculty.

This year’s faculty is headed by Pinchas Zukerman and co-Artistic Director Patinka Kopec, of the Manhattan School of Music (both on violin and viola); and includes among others Hans Jorgen Jensen of Chicago’s Northwestern University (cello); Joel Quarrington, principal double bass of the NAC Orchestra (double bass); Tatiana Goncharova of the Manhattan School of Music (piano); Joseph Kalichstein of the Juilliard School of Music (piano); Steven Dann of Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music, (chamber music); and Michael Tree of  the Manhattan School of Music (chamber music).

Now in its sixth year, the Young Artists Programme has tripled in size to over 30 students. Participants will be in residence at the University of Ottawa for three and a half weeks of private instruction, masterclasses, and chamber music training, and will participate in a final chamber music concert. Some will perform in chamber ensembles for the NAC Conductors Programme and may perform with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in the final concert of the Conductors Programme.

Application to the Young Artists Programme requires a CD or VHS videotape audition and an updated music resume.

The NAC Conductors Programme is now in its fourth year under master conductors Jorma Panula and Pinchas Zukerman. Its goal is to provide a valuable opportunity in Canada for conductors to develop under the expert guidance of accomplished orchestra leaders. A maximum of eight participants from Canada and abroad will participate in nine days of intensive study in a masterclass format. In the final two days of the programme up to four participants will have the opportunity to rehearse and conduct the National Arts Centre Orchestra in a public performance at the National Arts Centre in  Southam Hall. Conducting sessions for each participant will be videotaped, and these videos used as the basis for detailed discussion each day. All programme sessions will be open to auditors.

Acceptance to the Conductors Programme is based on submitted materials, level of experience and recommendations from recognized musical and conducting sources.

In order to ensure greater access to the Young Artists Programme, the NAC Foundation offers many opportunities for full and partial scholarship made possible by the support of individuals and families in Ottawa, Canada, and the United States. Canadian participants will automatically be considered for full scholarships.

The National Arts Centre Summer Music Institute is funded by the National Youth and Education Trust with support by TELUS (founding partner of the Trust), CGI Group Inc., SunLife Financial, supporters and patrons of the National Arts Centre Gala, and the National Arts Centre Foundation Donor’s Circle.  The NAC also gratefully acknowledges the leadership support of Dr. William and Phyllis Waters, Mrs. Jeanne Fuller and Maestro Pinchas Zukerman.

The Young Artists Programme is sponsored in association with Galaxie, the Continuous Music Network.

For more information please contact:
Jane Morris, Marketing Officer, National Arts Centre Orchestra
(613) 947-7000, ext. 335
jmorris@nac-cna.ca