Kevin Latimer, QC, of Halifax, has been elected chair of the board of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.

"We're thrilled to have Kevin become Chair of the Board," said Barbara Smith, President and CEO of NYO Canada. "He's a passionate champion of the arts and young Canadian musicians, his insightful leadership will help us move forward confidently into our next 60 years."

In addition, during the latest meeting of the Board of Directors, Clare Gaudet was elected vice-chair of the board, Jonathan Boulakia was elected secretary, and Christian Wray was elected treasurer. Frederick Gorbet, O.C., a former associate secretary to the federal cabinet and a former deputy minister in the federal Department of Finance, was elected as a new member of the board.

Created in 1960 by noted conductor Walter Susskind, NYO Canada annually recruits the best young classical musicians from across the country and prepares them for careers as professional orchestral musicians. Each year, NYO Canada auditions more than 500 musicians aged 16-28.

Under the guidance of world-renowned faculty and educators, young musicians participate in NYO Canada's Chamberfest and Orchestral Training Institute, including a recording session and a concert tour with performances in Canada and abroad in some of the world's finest concert halls. This summer, NYO Canada celebrates its 60th anniversary.

As the bridge between music education and a music career, NYO Canada's vision is to launch Canada's next generation of professional orchestral musicians by offering a comprehensive program that encompasses a full range of skills and experiences, entirely tuition free. Today, one-third of Canada's professional orchestral musicians are alumni of NYO Canada.