News
Dec. 15, 2025 : SAINT JOHN, N.B. : New Brunswick’s best young orchestral musicians will showcase their love for music and hockey at the Imperial Theatre as part of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra’s 61st annual concert tour titled ‘Vive le Canada’ when they perform ‘The Hockey Sweater’ as part of their repertoire. The Jan. 11 concert begins at 2 p.m.
‘The Hockey Sweater’ composed by Abigail Richardson-Schulte is based on the famous short story by Canadian author Roch Carrier. The story, based on a Carrier’s life as a young Montreal Canadiens fan, tells the heartwarming tale of being forced to don a hated Toronto Maple Leafs jersey to the dismay of his friends and hockey coach after the Eaton’s mail order company makes a mistake. ‘The Hockey Sweater’ is Carrier’s most famous work, and a line from the story appears on the back of the ‘Children at Play’ $5 bill, part of the Canadian Journey currency series first issued in 2002. Kenn Mainville, NBYO president and CEO, said the orchestra members are thrilled that well-known storyteller Stephen Tobias will narrate the performance.
“Stephen’s presence adds a wonderful layer. This piece depends on the narrator’s ability to capture the humour, tension, and innocence in Roch Carrier’s story, and Stephen does that with ease,” Mainville said. “Our musicians play with more drive when the narrative around them feels authentic, and his interpretation elevates the entire experience. The Saint John audience will hear an orchestral performance that is both playful and nostalgic, with a narrator who can draw everyone into the moment from the very first line.”
Maestro Tony Delgado, NBYO conductor and music director, said the orchestra started practicing for this demanding performance early in the summer.
“Our young musicians can't wait to perform this Canadian classic for New Brunswick audiences. ‘The Hockey Sweater’ is a very challenging piece that was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony, The National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. It was planned to be performed by professional orchestras,” Delgado said.
Some NBYO musicians will wear their favourite hockey jerseys during the performance and Delgado said the orchestra would even permit Maple Leaf jerseys. Mainville said he hopes audience members will get into the spirit and also don their own favourite team colours.
“We’re encouraging fans to wear their favourite hockey sweaters, and we suppose that includes Maple Leafs jerseys, too,” he said.
The Saint John concert will also include performances of “Danse Bacchanale” de l’opera Samson et Dalila, op. 47 – C. Saint-Saens and Symphonie No. 5 – P.I. Tchaikovsky, highlighting the orchestra’s musical abilities.
The NBYO is the pinnacle of musical achievement for young orchestral musicians in New Brunswick, and most of its players are alumni of Sistema NB, the intensive after-school music program created to break down barriers to participation. This season, over 95 per cent of NBYO members began their musical journey in Sistema NB, a powerful testament to the program’s reach, quality, and success. 'Vive le Canada’ is more than a concert theme, it’s a celebration of our national identity through music. Our musicians are not just youth ambassadors for New Brunswick; they represent the very best of Canada’s future. When they take the stage, they show the country what’s possible when young people are given the chance to thrive,” Mainville said.
“The musicians are loving the variety of the programme, and we are very advanced in the preparation,” Delgado said. “All of these pieces will show the progress of our young musicians.”
Mainville said The Imperial Theatre is a favourite locale for the NBYO and an ideal place for audiences to enjoy the orchestra’s performance.
“The Imperial Theatre is a standout venue for the NBYO because it brings out the very best in our musicians. The acoustics support a full symphonic sound, allowing the audience to hear the strength of each section and the balance across the orchestra. Young players rise to the occasion in a space like this. They feel the history of the stage, the beauty of the hall, and the enthusiasm of a Saint John audience that knows and appreciates orchestral music. It’s a venue that gives our musicians both inspiration and confidence,” Mainville said.
The ‘Vive le Canada’ tour completed two successful performances in Bathurst and Caraquet in the fall, will take the stage in Fredericton on Feb. 15 and end their season in Moncton with a concert on March 28.
“If you’ve never attended an NBYO performance before, prepare to be amazed. You’ll witness world- class music-making, the energy of youth, and a powerful connection between the orchestra and its audience. It’s an experience that uplifts, inspires, and often surprises first-time listeners,” Mainville said
THE BANK OF CANADA HAS GIVEN THE NEW BRUNSWICK YOUTH ORCHESTRA PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THE BACK OF THE $5 BILL TITLED ‘CHILDREN AT PLAY’ AND INCLUDED WITH THIS RELEASE AS PART OF THE 2025-26 CONCERT SERIES. PLEASE NOTE THIS REPRODUCTION CAN ONLY BE USED IN ASSOCIATION WITH NEWS STORIES PERTAINING TO THE SAINT JOHN, FREDERICTON AND MONCTON CONCERTS. DO NOT ARCHIVE THIS IMAGE.
