ENSEMBLES 2025

Niagara Youth Orchestra

Since 1965, the Niagara Youth Orchestra has provided high-quality musical training to young musicians across the Niagara Region through professional coaching, rehearsals, and performances. Founded as the St. Catharines Junior Symphony by Paul van Dongen, the ensemble became the Niagara Youth Orchestra in 1980. Under the leadership of conductors including Tak-Ng Lai, Stan Kopac, Michael Newnham, Laura Thomas, and current Music Director Michael van Dongen, the NYO has continued to grow artistically, performing a wide range of repertoire and touring internationally. The NYO presents four main concerts each season and participates in outreach events throughout the community. To support younger or less experienced players, the Junior Ensemble Program began in 1985 and later became the Concert Orchestra. In 2014, a Training Program for beginners aged 7 and up was introduced. Today, about 80 musicians participate across the Training Program, Concert, and Symphonic Orchestras. The NYO is one of the few youth orchestras in Ontario offering weekly sectionals in addition to full orchestra rehearsals, providing a valuable complement to school music programs and private lessons. Many alumni go on to study or work in music professionally.

Michael van Dongen

Conductor

Michael van Dongen is a violinist, conductor, teacher, and arranger. He earned a Bachelor of Music Degree at McMaster University in Hamilton. Michael has been a member of the Niagara Symphony since 1995, playing in the first violin section. Since August of 2008, he has been a member of the World Rock Symphony Orchestra performing rock music from Britain, at the Fallsview Casino in the Avalon Theatre as well as an arena tour in Ontario. He has also performed in orchestras backing up Anne Murray, Smokey Robinson, and Wayne Newton. Michael, with his two brothers and father form the group called the “van Dongen string quartet,” which has been performing since 1979. Michael is equally devoted to teaching and has been with the Niagara Youth Orchestra since 1997. He has been the conductor of the Junior Niagara Youth Orchestra since the 2008/09 season. In 1994, Michael began teaching with Niagara Elementary Instrumental Music in the District School Board of Niagara, as an Itinerant Music Instructor, where he was the conductor of three string orchestras. In the year 2000, Michael started a fiddle group called “No Strings Attached.” The fiddle group, which plays mainly Celtic music, has performed on many stages including the Starlight Café in Walt Disney World, the Old Triangle in Halifax, and in July of 2008, alongside “No Strings Attached High” (formed in 2006,) on a floating stage at Illuminauqua in Welland.

Jennifer McKillop

Jennifer, a proud native of Grimsby, Ontario, Canada, is a dynamic and accomplished vocal artist whose passion for music shines through her diverse experiences as a performer, instructor, and conductor. With a strong foundation built upon a Bachelor of Music, Honours in Voice Performance, and numerous awards highlighting her academic excellence, exceptional singing ability, and overall performance, Jennifer has captivated audiences across North America and Europe. As a featured soloist, ensemble member, and recording artist, her impressive resume includes performances at renowned venues such as the Stratford Festival, Koerner Hall in Toronto, and the Museo Renata Tebaldi in Busseto, Italy. Jennifer is equally passionate about sharing her love of music with others. She is a dedicated private voice instructor, serves as the conductor of the Chorus Niagara Intermediate and Training Choirs and is the General Manager of the Niagara Youth Orchestra. Furthermore, she inspires young musicians daily as a music specialist, teaching Grades K-8 at Cairn Christian Schools in Stoney Creek and Smithville. Jennifer currently resides in Niagara-on-the-Lake with her husband, Brian, and their two children, Lexi and Kalam. She embodies a remarkable balance, seamlessly navigating a demanding performing career while nurturing the next generation of musical talent. The Niagara region is fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented individual enriching its vibrant arts community.

Celebration Program

Additional Concerts Program