National Arts Centre Orchestra and OrKidstra Partnership Demonstrates the Transformative Power of Musical Mentorship
Ottawa, ON – June 25, 2026 – On June 18, more than 180 OrKidstra students stood on the Southam Hall stage alongside National Arts Centre musicians and Music Director Alexander Shelley, celebrating a partnership that has been transforming young lives through music for more than a decade.
The long-standing relationship between the National Arts Centre (NAC) and OrKidstra is rooted in a shared belief that music is about more than artistic excellence. It is about belonging, confidence, mentorship, and creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential and find their voice through music.
Through access to performances, rehearsals, coaching sessions, side-by-side concerts, and mentorship opportunities with professional musicians, OrKidstra students gain a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on the life of a professional musician. The partnership provides invaluable exposure to artistic excellence while helping students envision what is possible for themselves, both on and off the stage.
One of the most powerful aspects of the relationship between the NAC and OrKidstra is the opportunity for students to perform side-by-side with professional musicians. In these moments, something extraordinary happens. An OrKidstra student is not standing at the edge of the musical experience; they are invited into its very heart as a fellow musician. They share music stands, exchange ideas, and work together toward a common artistic vision under the guidance of the same conductor.
“When our students sit beside professional musicians, they experience a level of respect and belonging that can be truly transformative,” said OrKidstra Co-Founder and Artistic Managing Director, Tina Fedeski. “They are treated as colleagues and peers. That message—that they belong in these spaces and that their place in the artistic community is valued—can have a lasting impact on their confidence and aspirations.”
The mentorship provided by NAC musicians extends far beyond musical technique. Through their example, professional artists reinforce the discipline, dedication, teamwork, and lifelong learning that are required to succeed in music and in life. These relationships help young people develop resilience, leadership skills, and a sense of possibility that reaches well beyond the concert hall.
“It’s been a tremendous privilege for me to serve as an OrKidstra Ambassador during my time as Music Director of the NAC Orchestra. Working with these passionate young musicians, who bring such enthusiasm and positivity to each performance, has been a source of joy and inspiration. The future of orchestral music is in very bright hands!” — Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the NAC Orchestra
The partnership also enriches the professional musicians themselves. By sharing their expertise and passion with the next generation, NAC artists help strengthen a vibrant musical community that reflects the diversity and pluralism of Canada, while fostering the future audiences, performers, and cultural leaders of tomorrow.
Nelson McDougall, Managing Director of the NAC Orchestra shared that they are “proud to support the work of OrKidstra, which plays such an essential role in our community, transforming young lives through the power of music.” He continued that “they look forward to continuing the partnership and bringing more moments of joy to our stage in the years to come.”
Alongside the partnership with the NAC, the impact of these partnerships are strengthened by a broader network of community partners who help OrKidstra to remove barriers and create opportunities for young people to thrive. Together with supporters, donors, and volunteers across Ottawa’s arts, education, and social service sectors, OrKidstra continues to demonstrate what is possible when a community invests in its children.
As OrKidstra continues its mission of empowering children and building community through music, the support and mentorship of the National Arts Centre remains an essential part of that journey. Through every rehearsal, coaching session, and performance, the partnership demonstrates a simple but powerful truth: when young musicians are welcomed, challenged, and treated as valued members of an artistic community, they can achieve remarkable things.
Sincere and heartfelt thanks from OrKidstra to Alexander Shelley for serving as Ambassador to OrKidstra for more than 10 years, serving and supporting hundreds of youth in that time, inspiring them to achieve big and small things to contribute to not only the ensemble, but to their lives.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the National Arts Centre stands on the main stage of Southam Hall surrounded by 180 kids during a closed-door rehearsal.
On left, Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the National Arts Centre stands surrounded by OrKidstra Staff. Left to right: Alexander Shelley, Tina Fedeski (OrKidstra Co-Founder and Artistic Managing Director), Gary McMillen (OrKidstra Co-Founder), Carrie Lauzon (Executive Managing Director), Astrid Camarena Correa, Sonia Cáceres, Sandra Van Barr, and Karoly Sziladi.
Head shot of Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the National Arts Centre
About OrKidstra – Sistema Ottawa
OrKidstra empowers children and builds community through music. Through free, long-term music education, mentorship, and leadership programs, more than 800 children and youth ages 5 to 18 from equity-deserving Ottawa communities participate each year, representing more than 62 linguistic and cultural backgrounds. At the heart of OrKidstra are its core values of Love, Courage, Excellence, and Belonging.
About the National Arts Centre Orchestra
Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, based in Ottawa, is one of the country’s most vibrant and acclaimed ensembles. Since its founding in 1969, the NAC Orchestra has earned recognition for its passionate performances, innovative learning and engagement programs, and unwavering commitment to Canadian creativity.
Led by Music Director Alexander Shelley, the NAC Orchestra reflects the fabric and values of Canada, engaging communities from coast to coast to coast through inclusive programming, compelling storytelling, and visionary partnerships. In fall 2025, the Orchestra announced an exciting new chapter with the appointment of world-renowned Finnish conductor John Storgårds as its next Music Director, beginning in the 2026-2027 season.
The Orchestra regularly collaborates with internationally celebrated performers, including James Ehnes, Angela Hewitt, Renée Fleming, Hilary Hahn, Jeremy Dutcher, Jan Lisiecki, Ray Chen, and Yeol Eum Son—affirming its reputation as a destination for world-class talent and the next generation of artists.
Beyond the concert stage, the NAC Orchestra’s learning and engagement initiatives strengthen local arts ecosystems, deepen community connections, and foster cultural exchange. Its family and school programs include interactive performances, side-by-side mentorship with young musicians, and community concerts designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of music.
The NAC Orchestra is also deeply committed to professional development, offering emerging artists opportunities to refine their craft through its annual Mentorship Program and two-year Resident Conductor position.
Touring regularly across Canada and internationally, the Orchestra has performed in every province and territory, as well as in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Media Contacts:
Chelsea Dunn McIntyre
Director of Development & Communications, OrKidstra – Sistema Ottawa
OrKidstra.ca | development@orkidstra.ca | 613-261-4600
Noah Richardson
Communications Strategist, National Arts Centre
nac-cna.ca | noah.richardson@nac-cna.ca | 613-415-5208
