National Youth Orchestra Canada has named James O'Callaghan as 2012-2013 Emerging Composer-in-Residence
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)听 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 Montr茅al Contemporary Music Lab.
A full list of the NYOC's 2012 tour locations and repertoire is available at
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