Do you aspire to an orchestral career? Apply to the 2026 NACO Mentorship Program to hone your skills with mentorship from musicians of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and Music Director Alexander Shelley. 

 

This unique 3-week program offers paid work experience for young professionals, centered around a full-time schedule of rehearsals, workshops and performances with a world-class orchestra. From June 8-25, 2026, the program culminates with participants performing in the NAC Orchestra for main series concerts at Southam Hall in Ottawa, Canada.

 

Applications are open to Canadian and international orchestral musicians and conductors, and Canadian personnel manager candidates.  What are you waiting for? Submit your application by January 26 2026 for your shot to work alongside the NAC Orchestra! 

 

All participants receive an honorarium, free accommodations, and a meal allowance. Travel subsidies are granted to each participant as a percentage of their total travel costs.