National Youth Orchestra performing free shows in Waterloo ahead of national tour

The future of classical music was on display at Wilfrid Laurier University. CTV’s Jeff Pickel takes a listen.

The best classically trained young musicians from across Canada have set up residency in Waterloo this month.

The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) of Canada, consisting of 91 musicians between the ages of 16 and 28, are using the Wilfrid Laurier University music faculty for rehearsals and as performance space.

As part of their preparations for a national tour, the NYO musicians are putting on free shows throughout June and early July.

This year the orchestra consists of several members with local connections.

Manuel Galvez is a third-year music student at Wilfrid Laurier University.

“It’s really nice to know that there’s like-minded people, they’re very passionate about what they do. They’re very disciplined,” said Galvez, who plays the viola.

Galvez and others look at the NYO as part of their path to a professional music career.

“There’s a lot of connections to be made because you never know if the person you’re sitting across from while you’re eating lunch is going to be the future concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra,” said Galvez.

Lauren Lee is a violinist from Kitchener, now attending the University of Toronto.

“It feels kind of new to me, seeing lots of talented musicians play together and the opportunity to watch everyone play in chamber and in orchestra,” Lee said.

The Big Little Concert series runs until July 11th before the national tour begins on July 18th in Toronto.