UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 

  Good health and well-being

  For students, as you well know, mental health is an area which has traditionally carried considerable stigma, as young artists fear that by seeking mental health support, they might be showing ‘weakness’ and therefore curtailing their chances of future recruitment to leading orchestras. We are very proud to report that the opposite is true: Thanks to the work of the J.W. Murphy Mental Health Initiative last year, NYO is part of inaugurating a global conversation to destigmatize this, and our students are leading the way in making this a “discussable” – indeed – central component of their self care. Many had heard about the program last year from other students in the orchestra, and arrived at the session eager to take advantage of the supports offered and participate fully in the program. As the training institute got under way, we took advantage of a key learning last year, and made it part of the overall orientation right at the top of the session. This set the tone for a seamless integration of the lectures, confidential 1:1 sessions, and on-tour supports. Our on staff doctor was introduced early, and the conversation began straight away, as upcoming lectures with members of the Al & Malka Greene Artists Health Centre were promoted, and all students were encouraged to attend. Lecture and open session topics this year included: • Stress management • Managing the inner critic • Relationships/Effective Communication • Body Mind Medicine • Taking care of yourself on tour/managing performance anxiety

• 

  Industry, innovation and infrastructure

  This program is often a tipping point in a young musician’s career: the experience, the immersion, the hands-on training, and the exposure to a new standard of musicianship all contribute to the student’s professional readiness and confidence. Over the last five years, we have been committed to making our audition process digitally accessible to all aspiring NYO musicians, regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances. We are increasingly able to offer positions to musicians who aren’t yet studying at big schools and who can’t easily access a live audition. This provides important pathways for young people who are extraordinarily talented, but who might otherwise get left behind. Additionally, each member of the Orchestra receives a scholarship generously provided by our sponsors and donors. The mandate of NYO Canada is to discover and inspire well-rounded and skilled orchestral musicians, to support and promote Canadian emerging composers and artists, and to build appreciation for classical music among audiences in every corner of the nation. NYO Canada is unlike any other music training program in this country: it complements and elevates university and conservatory programs with real-world music training and opens the door to the professional sphere in a way university programs cannot. The growing student scholarships we offer all NYO Canada participants upon completion of the program represents only one of many ways in which NYO Canada supports new generation Winnipeg artists year-round. 1) Training NYO Canada offers musicians five weeks of intensive, focused musical training. Two weeks are dedicated to chamber music training, whereby musicians play a variety of pieces and participate in different ensembles, from string quartets to brass quintets to mixed ensembles of all kinds. A high-calibre ensemble-in-residence gives masterclasses and lessons throughout this period, and every musician performs in the NYO Canada Chamberfest, and hears their peers and coaches perform as well. A three-week orchestral training period brings the musicians together. Throughout both the chamber music and orchestral sessions, dozens of experienced coaches support the students in a challenging yet nurturing environment. 2) Mental Health and Business Skills Development In addition to rigorous musical training, we believe that to set a musician up for artistic and career success, it is important that they get tools that suit their needs. Workshops in business skills and support systems, like private mental health sessions with a therapist, occupational therapy and an on-staff doctor produce well-rounded musicians that are ready to tackle the professional world. 3) Prizes and Awards Thanks to dedicated donors, in addition to student scholarships given to each Orchestra member, we award over $80,000 in special awards and prizes each year. The largest awards are $25,000 and $15,000 respectively. 4) Early-career Opportunities We constantly monitor employment and advancement opportunities to share with our NYO musicians. 5) Alumni network NYO alumni have access to one of Canada's most influential network of orchestral and classical musicians.