Canada's leading organization for aspiring young musicians who
are serious about pursuing a professional career, the National
Youth Orchestra Canada (NYOC), has named Schulich School of Music
Master's student James O'Callaghan (Philippe Leroux) as its
2012-2013 Emerging Composer-in-Residence.
Mr. O'Callaghan, a promising young composer and sound-artist
praised for his "real orchestral imagination" and "highly refined
sense of colour" (Vancouver Sun), will compose an original piece
for the NYOC's North American Tour in 2013.
Barbara Smith, executive director of the National Youth
Orchestra of Canada, said, "We are delighted to appoint James
O'Callaghan as our Emerging Composer. Rarely do we see such
dedication and understanding applied to contemporary orchestral
music. By awarding this residency to Mr. O'Callaghan, the NYOC is
proud to continue its tradition of fostering the best in young
Canadian talent, for composers and performers alike."
James O'Callaghan, the 2012-2013 Emerging Composer-in-Residence,
said "There is nothing else like writing for an orchestra - the
seemingly endless ocean of sounds available presents what is at
once both a challenge and a great freedom. For someone who came to
music late. I've had the immense fortune of support from my mentors
and the artistic community. I'm incredibly grateful for this
opportunity to work with so many wonderful young musicians, and to
say something with my music on a larger stage than I've ever had
before."
A composer with global appeal, O'Callaghan's music has been
performed across North America, as well as in Europe, New Zealand
and Japan. In 2011, he was selected for the inaugural Canadian
League of Composers / Canadian Music Centre Composer Mentoring
Project. He is also a founding member and co-director of the
Montréal Contemporary Music Lab.
A full list of the NYOC's 2012 tour locations and repertoire is
available at www.nyoc.org