Alain Trudel, conductor The National Academy Orchestra was founded in 1989 by conductor Boris Brott and is primarily based in Hamilton, Ontario. It is recognized as a Canadian National School for professional training, and each winter over 450 potential participants audition from across Canada for a position in the Orchestra. Each season features guest concertmasters and mentors from across the country, guest conductors and internationally-renowned soloists. Each season presents diverse repertoire from classical, opera, pop, and Broadway, where weekly concerts are coached and prepared by some of Canada’s finest pedagogues. The NAO places particular emphasis on entrepreneurial skills and practical topics through the seminars, focusing on issues that affect the everyday life of the professional orchestral musician.