The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) has announced the appointment of Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser as Music Director for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Bartholomew-Poyser brings a wealth of experience to the role, including an international background in education, performance, and audience development.
As Music Director, he’ll be helping to shape the next generation of orchestral musicians in Canada. Coast to coast, you’ll find a sizeable portion of the musicians in any professional orchestra are NYO Canada alumni.
For his first season, the new Music Director will be leading the 2026 NYO Canada Orchestra in the world premiere of a commissioned piece by a Canadian composer, alongside beloved works by Prokofiev, Mozart, and Strauss. Music by Williams Grant Still (American, 1895 to 1978) and Anna Clyne round out the program for the 2026 tour.
“Daniel represents the future of Canadian conducting, someone who understands that musical excellence, education, and audience engagement go hand in hand,” noted Christie Gray, CEO in a statement. “NYO Canada is thrilled to be working with this visionary and deeply insightful artist as he shapes the next generation of Canadian musicians.”
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser has carved out a truly unique career in the world of Western classical music.
He is currently Principal Youth Conductor and Creative Partner with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Resident Conductor of Engagement and Education at the San Francisco Symphony, Barrett Principal Education Conductor and Community Ambassador of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Artist in Residence and Community Ambassador of Symphony Nova Scotia.
Bartholomew-Poyser has also conducted prominent orchestras internationally, including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, and Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl.
Daniel has extensive experience not only in both youth and professional orchestra leadership, but conducting a very wide range of repertoire for an equally wide range of audience, including neurodivergent and differently abled. He has created programs that introduce orchestral music to underserved communities, including incarcerated populations, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. He also hosts the weekly national CBC Radio show Centre Stage.
“I’m deeply honoured to join NYO Canada,” said Bartholomew-Poyser. “I’m excited to work with these
extraordinary young artists to create performances that speak to all Canadians and nurture musicianship at the absolute highest level.
“My goal is to program concerts that are both musically excellent and genuinely welcoming, where every Canadian can see themselves reflected, feel they belong and truly fall in love with the Orchestra.”
LV is looking forward to experiencing the musical chemistry of Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and some of Canada’s most talented young musicians next year, and into 2027.
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