Halifax Musician Tasman Tantasawat to perform with NYO Canada during the 

 Aurora 2023 

July 14 – August 2, 2023 

For Tickets (Visit: nyoc.org/tickets/aurora-tour/) 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Halifax Musician Tasman Tantasawat to perform with NYO Canada during the 

Aurora Tour 

Halifax, NS – The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is thrilled to announce the participation of local musician Tasman Tantasawat in their highly anticipated Aurora Tour. Tasman, a talented violist and current member of the NYO Canada 2023 cohort, will join the orchestra on Wednesday, July 26th, at 7:30 pm at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium for an extraordinary evening of classical music. 

Tasman Tantasawat’s musical journey began in his native Thailand, where he started his first music lessons at the age of six. After moving to Canada as part of the Nova Scotia International Student Program, Tasman’s passion for music led him to study at Dalhousie University and become an integral part of the local music scene. 

Tasman’s dedication and talent caught the attention of NYO Canada, and he was selected as a fellow for two consecutive years for the first time in 2022 and again in 2023. Tasman’s audition, which featured blind performances and demanding repertoire, impressed the panel of judges, earning him a spot among the top musicians in the country. 

Tasman, expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming NYO Canada Aurora Tour said, “I am excited to join NYO Canada’s Aurora tour this year as last years’ experience was unforgettable. Meeting young musicians across Canada and getting to work with professional faculty here at NYO has always been a great experience.” A highlight of this year’s tour for him is the visit to the maritime region, where Tasman spent a significant portion of his time after moving to Canada. Anticipating the chance to reunite with familiar faces, he eagerly awaits the upcoming journey. “ I am particularly excited about the tour to the maritime this year as I spent most of my time in Nova Scotia when I move to Canada. I am hoping to see a lot of familiar faces there!” 

says Tasman. 

The NYO Canada Aurora Tour marks Tasman’s return to his hometown, where he will share the stage with other exceptional young musicians from across the country. Under the baton of 

Maestro Sascha Goetzel, the orchestra will captivate audiences with a diverse repertoire that includes classical masterpieces and modern compositions. 

“We are delighted to showcase the extraordinary talent of Tasman Tantasawat and all the young musicians of NYO Canada,” says Christie Gray, CEO of NYO Canada. “Their dedication and passion for classical music will create unforgettable moments for audiences in Halifax and beyond.” 

To ensure that the magic of classical music is accessible to all, NYO Canada is introducing a revolutionary “Pay What You Can” pricing model for the Aurora Tour. NYO Canada aims to eliminate financial barriers and create a more inclusive concert experience by allowing audience members to contribute an amount that suits their budget. 

“We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of orchestral music,” says Emily Dunbar, Communications and Marketing Manager for NYO Canada. “The ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ model allows us to welcome audiences from all walks of life and share the joy of classical music.” 

Take advantage of this exceptional performance by Tasman Tantasawat and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. Join us on Wednesday, July 26th, at 7:30 pm at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium for an evening of enchanting music that will leave you mesmerized. 

For ticket reservations and more information about the Aurora Tour, visit nyoc.org/tickets/aurora-tour/. 

NYO’s 2023 season includes performances in the following cities: 

  • • Fri. July 14 @ 7:30 p.m. – Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King St. W., Kingston, ON 
  • • 
  • • Sun. July 16 @ 2:30 p.m. – Espace Théâtre, 543 Rue du Pont, Mont-Laurier, QC 
  • • 
  • • Tues. July 18 @ 7:30 p.m. – Palais Montcalm, 995 Rue D’Youville., Québec, QC 
  • • 
  • • Sun. July 23 @ 7:30 p.m. – Confederation Centre, 130 Queen Street, Charlottetown, PEI 
  • • 
  • • Wed. July 26 @ 7:30 p.m. – Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, 6101 University Avenue, Halifax NS 
  • • 
  • • Sat. July 29 @ 7:30 p.m. – Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, St. John, NB 
  • • 
  • • Wed. August 2 @ 7:30 p.m. – Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON 

Repertoire and featured artists will include: 

  • • Jocelyn Morlock (Canadian Composer) – My Name is Amanda Todd – a JUNO Award-winning orchestral work honouring 15-year-old singer and musician Amanda Todd who took her own life in 2012 following years of online bullying and harassment at school. 
  • • Johannes Brahms – Violin Concerto in D Major, op. 77 – 2023 Canada Council for the Arts Michael Measures 1st prize winner as the featured soloist 
  • • Kalen Smith – Glacial Titan (2023 SOCAN Emerging Composer prize commissioned by NYO Canada) World Premiere 
  • • Modest Mussorgsky/Arr. Maurice Ravel – Pictures at an Exhibition 

Follow NYO Canada on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the orchestra’s journey. 

About NYO Canada: The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is a prestigious organization that recruits the finest young classical musicians nationwide. Mentored by world-renowned faculty, orchestra members participate in a comprehensive training program, including a recording session and a concert tour. NYO Canada’s mission is to discover and inspire talented musicians, promote emerging Canadian composers and artists, and foster a love for classical music among audiences nationwide. The organization is grateful for the support of the Government of Canada, the Ontario Arts Council, and the RBC Foundation, among many generous sponsors and donors. 

More information about Tasman: 

What did you find most rewarding about your experience at NYOC in 2022? 

Ans: Meeting and working with the faculty here to further develop my skill. But meeting new friends with who we all share the same interests is probably the most rewarding experience for me. 

What are you looking forward to most this year? 

Ans: Touring on east coast Canada! I have always wanted to play and explore more of East Coast Canada. 

How will the music education you received at NYOC impact you in your future career as a professional musician? 

Ans: The quality and level of musicianship here at NYO are incredibly high. I have learned to work with others, take charge of my schedule and be responsible with my music, which I think 

are qualities all musicians need to succeed in the professional world. Being able to experience all of the responsibilities will help me understand how the real professional world works. 

Why should other young professionals audition for NYOC? 

Ans: The quality of education you will receive here is unforgettable, and you might forge a live time-long friendship with people who have the same interests as you. It is simply something not to miss if you are passionate about music! 

How did your music education in Halifax impact you as a musician today? Do you feel that it influenced you in auditioning for NYOC? 

The majority of my music education is in Halifax, NS. I have decided that I want to pursue music as my career, so Halifax always has a special place in my heart as it is the place where it all began. Once I heard that NYOC is going to Halifax this year, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to go back and give music back to the community that set me on this path. 

Media Contact: 

Emily Dunbar 

National Youth Orchestra of Canada 

Tel: 416-532-4470 x 225 

Email: edunbar@nyoc.org