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New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Canada’s largest youth music program, was formed in 1965 in Saint John
Jan. 18, 2025. SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK: The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra’s deep and rich history in Saint John will be showcased on Jan. 25 when the NBYO hosts its 60th anniversary banquet and gala at the Delta Hotel in Saint John.
“The NBYO’s 60th anniversary season has been met with remarkable enthusiasm. Audiences are turning out in large numbers to experience our Mahler 1 - TITAN concerts,” said Kenn Mainville, President and CEO of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra. “Performances have received widespread praise for the exceptional talent and musical depth demonstrated by our young musicians. This milestone season is generating strong support for our fundraising goals.”
The Jan. 25 banquet in Saint John will offer a unique blend of music and entertainment, featuring an NBYO Chamber Ensemble.
“This intimate performance will allow guests to experience firsthand the remarkable skills and dedication of our young musicians,” Mainville said. “Adding to the evening’s charm, acclaimed comedian James Mullinger will make a special guest appearance, bringing his signature dynamic humor to delight attendees.”
The Saint John banquet and event is a homecoming for the NBYO, which traces its roots to the Port City.
“The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra was founded in Saint John, way back in 1965 by Philip Oland, the late former Chairperson of Moosehead Breweries,” said Don Matheson, Director of Community Engagement for NBYO. “Every year more student musicians from our 250+ member Sistema NB Saint John Centre audition successfully to earn their seats in the provincial ensemble, having first honed their orchestral proficiency as members of the Saint John Youth Orchestra—the regional ensemble of Sistema NB.”
Matheson thanked the generous sponsors for the Saint John event - J.D. Irving, Limited, Derek and Jacqueline Oland, Moosehead Breweries, and Peter Buckley.
Gala Dinner and Concert patrons can look forward to seeing and hearing 19 current-year NBYO members from Greater Saint John. Tony Delgado, NBYO music director and conductor, said patrons will enjoy a variety of musical treats at the event.
“We are always working to offer a variety of musical genres, pop, classical and New Brunswick's music. Definitely we will have surprises for this coming banquet in Saint John,” Delgado said. “The young musicians enjoy playing this type of venue. We are deciding the repertory collectively.”
Delgado said the gala will give NBYO patrons an opportunity to be closer to the young musicians.
“Many are amazed by their youth and their level of talent,” he said.
The fundraising banquet will start at 6 p.m. at the Delta Saint John. Tickets are available for $150 per person and can be purchased at nbyotickets.com.
For more information:
NBYO President & CEO—Kenn Mainville kmainville@nbyo-ojnb.com (506) 229-1924
NBYO Maestro—Antonio Delgado tonydelgado@nbyo-ojnb.com (506) 229-4985
