Orchestra North Smithers

An unparalleled summer musical experience

Important information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have postponed regular in-person Orchestra North Summer Program (Smithers location) activities to next year. There are opportunities for participants to connect with fabulous faculty and keen musicians online at Orchestra North UX.

The Orchestra North Academy will be hosting a professional development residency from August 2-14. Interested professional musicians can apply here soon. And stay tuned for some incredible live musical events happening during this time. - we can't wait to finally share music with you again!

We look forward to seeing you all in person in 2022!

Music meets the natural beauty of British Columbia

Musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to spend a week with us at Orchestra North Smithers. Participants will learn from world class teaching artists while engaging in workshops, chamber music, and orchestra. The festival also includes access to recitals presented by the Spirit of the North Music Festival. Artistic Director, Roxi Dykstra (pictured right) has produced the Orchestra North Smithers program for over 7 years, each year cultivating an unforgettable summer experience for all involved.

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Introducing the Orchestra North Academy Residency

Set in the mountains in beautiful Smithers BC, the Orchestra North Academy (ONA) Residency welcomes a small select number of musicians from August 2-14 to Smithers to meet, rejuvenate and hone their craft. With a focus on peer-to-peer mentorship, residents are invited to participate in regular group masterclasses, exploration, workshops and performance. The 2021 Residency will also welcome three British Columbian composers to share their work in a setting that encourages especially meaningful interactions between composer, composition and musicians. 2021 composers-in-residence include Kent Dykstra, Thomas Beckmann, and Nicholas Denton-Protsack.

Application to the 2021 Academy Residency Programs is now closed. Stay tuned for details about this year's Residents and our public activities, including workshops and a concert series available for online attendance.

Past Program Offerings

Mass Orchestra

Led by Rose Thomson, Music Director and conductor of the Okanagan Symphony, the "Mass Orchestra" rehearses once per day and provides an opportunity for all ages, skill levels, and instruments to come together for a unique playing opportunity of some of the world's greatest masterworks.

Fiddling Class

Roxi Dykstra leads a workshop learning traditional fiddle tunes by ear, a fun and exciting challenge to available to all instruments!

Chamber Music

A hallmark of the Orchestra North Smithers program, chamber music remains at the heart of our programming. Participants are encouraged to form their own chamber ensembles with traditional or non-traditional instrumentation. Our esteemed guest artists serve as coaches.