The National Youth Orchestra of Canada is a training ground for young musicians, and that’s not just hyperbole. It’s estimated that about 30 percent of the musicians in Canada’s professional orchestras are NYOC alumni.
This year will be the final season with Naomi Woo as Music Director, and she’ll be taking the orchestra on a tour of Ontario and BC that kicks off in Toronto’s Koerner Hall on July 18. There, the program includes Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 with Michael Measures prize winner Justin Saulnier as soloist, and the world premiere of Across the Vaulted Night by Nicholas Denton Protsack, the recently announced Emerging Composer in Residence.
Here’s a brief introduction to the young Toronto and area musicians who will be performing with NYO Canada this summer.
Toronto & Area NYOC Musicians 2025
Manuel Galvez, Viola
A bit about your background in music…
I started playing the violin at a young age and studied at Etobicoke Suzuki Music. Although I was primarily a violinist, I began playing viola on the side and eventually made the switch during university. I fell in love with the warmth of the viola’s sound and the soulful character of its repertoire. I’m now studying at Wilfrid Laurier University, pursuing a professional career as a violist.
What are you doing to prepare for the summer tour?
I’m keeping myself in shape by attending programs like Musicfest and Quartetfest, which help me stay performance-ready and focused. While practicing my repertoire, I’m also going back to the basics to strengthen my foundation as a player. That way, I can come into the summer feeling more prepared, confident, and ready to contribute at a consistent level.
What do you hope to get out of the experience?
I want to improve both my orchestral and chamber playing. Working alongside other talented musicians and future colleagues will not only help me build meaningful professional connections, but also push me out of my comfort zone and challenge me to grow to new heights as a performer.
Ethan Jeon, Cello
A bit about your background in music…
I began studying music at an early age as a way to satisfy my curiosity and love of learning. I was quickly drawn to the cello for its rich tone and wide range of expression, and it’s become a central part of my life ever since. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to be deeply involved in the Taylor Academy at The Royal Conservatory of Music, where I’ve developed my playing skills under exceptional mentors. Additionally, playing in the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra has provided me with valuable experience playing in large ensembles and collaborating with other like-minded musicians. Beyond my musical growth, I’ve also dedicated myself to reaching out to the broader community, using music to connect with and inspire others through various performances and outreach initiatives.
What are you doing to prepare for the summer tour?
I’m currently perusing this year’s chamber and orchestral repertoire to get a solid grounding before rehearsals start in mid-June. I’m also thinking about what I’ll bring to my dorm and planning fun activities to share with fellow musicians during our downtime. Additionally, I’m preparing for the next chapter of my academic journey, as I’ll be heading to Princeton University to study physics and music. Balancing my summer tour with preparations for next year is a challenge, but one that I’m genuinely excited about.
What do you hope to get out of the experience?
I’m really looking forward to performing in a mixed ensemble for the first time, especially with Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro, a piece that is both captivating and beautiful. It will not only allow me to grow musically, but also continue to explore how musicians interact and connect in a chamber setting. I’m excited to see how our different musical backgrounds and perspectives come together, and I’m eager to learn from everyone while finding my own place in the group’s sound.
Yi-Hsuan Lo, Percussion
A bit about your background in music…
That is the thing I am willing to spend my time and energy on it and want to make it better.
What are you doing to prepare for the summer tour?
Of course, musicians prepare music. Moreover, I think that preparing our mindset to be open-minded, welcoming every challenge, and enjoy the music is important as well.
What do you hope to get out of the experience?
I would say, every part. I do believe we will have a different experience in each session.
Fay Wang, Cello
A bit about your background in music…
Growing up in a traditional household, the arts never seemed like a possible career option. I chose to study music because it’s where I feel most alive, understood, and able to make a difference. I started playing cello at ten, but it became something deeper when I realized how music could speak when words couldn’t.
What do you hope to get out of the experience?
I’m looking forward to the moments in between: late-night practice room chats, sharing stories from across the country, and creating friendships that last long after the final concert. There’s something really powerful about coming together for the sake of music, and I can’t wait to be part of that energy again.
The following statements were given as part of the NYOC onboarding process.
Joshua Lin, Violin
Why Music?
Because I love it!
What are you looking forward to at NYO?
Touring in BC.
Tina Sievers, Violin
Why Music?
When I was born, my two older sisters had already started learning the violin and I naturally wanted to join in. Playing music together became a fun activity for us and inspired us to continue to grow in our skills. Today, my two older sisters are studying music performance at university and I plan to do the same after I graduate from high school.
What are you looking forward to at NYO?
I’m looking forward to making new friends with talented musicians who share my passion for music and the experience of rehearsing and performing together (when a group as talented as this comes together and plays together, it’s a lot of fun!). I’m also looking forward to playing the amazing repertoire that will be showcased in our concerts and receiving guidance from the faculty that will help me improve my technical playing and performance collaboration skills.
Marlon Tong, Viola
Why Music?
It was my strongest subject in high school and I have had many years playing multiple instruments before that.
Why NYO?
It gives me a chance to tour Canada while performing music.
Emma Tian, Cello
Why Music?
My sister who is ten years older than me used to play piano and saxophone in high school, so growing up, I was always exposed to music. I started with playing the piano as well but later learned about string instruments, and ended up choosing the cello.
What are you looking forward to at NYO?
I’m looking forward to playing Mahler and meeting new people!
Hannah Wang, Flute
Why Music?
Both my parents work office jobs, and since I was little I told them that I never wanted to work an office job. When I picked up the flute in seventh grade, I always thought playing was fun. I wanted to become a music teacher and spread my love for music. But it wasn’t until during COVID in high school where I wasn’t able to play with ensembles that I realized how much I loved playing. It had become an integral part of myself that I couldn’t lose. I study it because the idea that my career could literally just be waking up and playing music is too good not to try for.
What are you looking forward to at NYO?
Tour! And learning lots from faculty and making new friends.
Andrew Mendis, Trumpet
Why music?
I felt that I would always be missing out on something if I didn’t study music past high school and attempt to forge a career. I also was surrounded by other UofT students when I was in high school as a member of the Hannaford Youth band and Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. This gave me great insight and encouragement to continue further studies in music and pursue a career as a musician.
What are you looking forward to at NYO?
I am most looking forward to working in chamber groups and getting to know my colleagues and work with them more intimately. On top of this, the tour is exciting as I have a passion for performing as well as travelling, so it’s the best of both worlds.
Elias Doyle, Trumpet
Why Music?
Because it is what I want to do most and I don’t see myself doing anything else other than music.
What are you looking forward to at NYO?
I’m definitely very excited for the chamber music portion of the summer this year! But also touring out West!
Umberto Quattrociocchi, Tuba
Why Music?
I chose to study music because it is the medium through which I enjoy expressing myself the most. I enjoy performing and playing music more than I would any other occupation, and I could only see myself doing this as a career.
What are you looking forward to at NYO?
I am most looking forward to the orchestra rehearsals this summer at NYO. I am especially excited to work with Naomi Woo and a great low brass section on some inspiring and fun repertoire.
- Find out more about the 65th anniversary season tour [HERE].
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