The National Academy Orchestra of Canada (NAO) provides an extraordinary opportunity for emerging young Canadian professional musicians to work as apprentice musicians alongside established professionals from some of Canada’s finest orchestras.

The NAO was founded in 1989 by conductor Boris Brott and is primarily based in Hamilton, Ontario. It is recognized as a Canadian National School for professional training, and each winter over 450 potential applicants audition from across Canada for a position in the orchestra.

Since its inception, the NAO has been the orchestra-in-residence for the acclaimed Brott Music Festival, Canada’s largest orchestral music festival. Each season features guest concertmasters and mentors from across the country, guest conductors, and internationally-renowned soloists, with performance opportunities ranging from full orchestra, to opera, and chamber.