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Sistema NB alumnus and NBYO Concertmaster--Emma Bourdon

Sistema New Brunswick musicians selected for first National Arts Centre Orchestra tour in Japan in four decades

May 12, 2025. MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK: Six talented young New Brunswick musicians will become Canadian cultural ambassadors in June when they join the Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) on a monumental tour to Japan.

Emma Bourdon from Moncton, Emilie Duncan, Moncton; Alex Zhang, Quispamsis: Haley McKitrick, Richibucto; Isai Parra, Moncton and Xavier Belanger, Edmundston, all members of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, will represent NBYO and Sistema New Brunswick on the tour, scheduled for June 3-7. Six members of ORKIDSTRA (Ottawa) will also be part of the NACO tour, the 99th since its founding in 1969. The event is the first time NACO has performed in Japan in four decades.

“Being invited to participate in the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s 2025 tour is an incredible honour and a powerful affirmation of our work. Sistema New Brunswick exists to inspire children and youth to achieve their full potential through learning and performing orchestral music,” said Kenn Mainville, president and CEO of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra.

“International opportunities like this one allow our young musicians to see themselves as part of something bigger, as cultural ambassadors representing New Brunswick and Canada on the world stage. This kind of recognition also elevates awareness of our mission here at home and highlights the importance of making high-calibre music education accessible to all children, regardless of circumstance,” Mainville said.

 Tony Delgado, NBYO Music Director and Conductor, was ecstatic to learn about the Japan tour.

“It was total happiness and excitement. Our students have been working hard for many years and we hope this experience inspires them to progress even more,” Delgado said.  “The National Arts Centre Orchestra showcases Canada’s best musical talent. This is an acknowledgement of the work done by the NBYO organization, our teaching artists and of course, the high level achieved by our students.”

The New Brunswick musicians will visit four renowned music venues in Japan, including Suntory Hall in Tokyo, the Mie Center for the Arts in Tsu, World Expo 2025 in Osaka, and the Symphony Hall in Osaka. The young Canadian musicians will be joined by Friends of El Sistema Japan, and Orchestra of Dream (El Sistema Korea) in cultural exchange activities, community engagement, performances, workshops and masterclasses aimed at highlighting the importance of sharing arts and culture across borders.

Fourteen-year-old Emilie Duncan of Moncton said she is “super excited” for the tour.

“I’ve been trying to learn the basics for Japanese and have done a bit of research about the culture. I know just being there is going to be an amazing experience. I can’t wait!” Duncan said. “I love ensemble playing… I find it opens new horizons musically, as each have their own interpretation they are accustomed to play with. Our cultures may be different, we may speak with varied accents, yet we still understand each other because we all have experienced music.”

Alex Zhang is 14-years-old and attends Harry Miller Middle School in Quispamsis. The violinist has performed with the NBYO for three seasons.

“Yes, I am very excited for the tour! I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity. I think Japanese culture is wonderful and very fascinating. I can’t wait to eat the food, hopefully see some beautiful Japanese art, maybe hear some Japanese music, and of course perform,” he said.

Mainville said the six Sistema New Brunswick students travelling to Japan are strong leaders.

“They represent the talent, commitment, and spirit of young New Brunswickers, and they have earned this opportunity through dedication and excellence. As cultural ambassadors, they will participate in side-by-side rehearsals and performances with El Sistema Japan and perform in dedicated concerts and participate in outreach events. New Brunswick will be represented with excellence, dignity, and pride —and that the values of collaboration, creativity, and leadership that define our program are shared on an international stage.”

Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra tour, led by Music Director Alexander Shelley, will debut in the Republic of Korea before travelling to Japan. The Orchestra’s concert in Seoul on May 31 will be a signature event at the closing of the Korea-Canada Year of Cultural Exchanges. NACO will also perform at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan to help mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson by collaborating with the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, led by Canadian pianist Robi Botos. Together, they will present the world premiere of a newly commissioned arrangement of Peterson’s Trail of Dreams.