TThe Orchestre de la francophonie canadienne (OFC), under the direction of Jean-Philippe Tremblay, was created in 2001 for the IVth Games of La Francophonie in Ottawa-Hull, a major cultural and sporting event that introduced Francophones from around the world to Canadians. That summer, the OFC gave many concerts at various locations across the country, performing works by famous Francophones and thus strengthening, in their own fashion, an awareness and appreciation of the International francophone musical heritage. This was a chance for these young Canadians to enjoy a wealth of cultural and professional discoveries, and it was appreciated equally by the musicians themselves and by music lovers who welcomed them with open arms.

In the ensuing years, the OFC gained greater acclaim while performing before hundreds of thousands of spectators on numerous Société Radio-Canada (SRC) and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and also in various concerts at the Festival de Lanaudière, the Festival International du Domaine Forget, the Festival d’été de Québec, the Atlantic provinces for the 400th anniversary of the Acadian people, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal and numerous other cities across Canada. During the winter off 2006-2007, the OFC embarked in its first international in China.  The OFC gave concerts and master classes in eleven Chinese cities, which, to date, represents the most important tour ever by a North American orchestra in China. The OFC will tour Germany in 2009.

Next summer, 70 young musicians from across Canada are being invited to participate in a brand new season of the OFC. The ideal candidates are young musicians Francophone or francophile, with classical training, aged 18 to 30, who have completed or are about to complete their university studies, or are members of a Canadian professional orchestra. Candidates will play one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, percussion and timpani.

Who knows? There may be a place for you in the OFC. If you are selected, you will be in residence in Ottawa during the summer and you will then take part in the concert tour at the end of the residency. The OFC is conducted by Jean-Philippe Tremblay, one of Canada’s most promising young conductors.

Accommodations, meals and travel expenses are provided, and OFC members will receive a bursary of upwards of $2,500 for their participation in the OFC.

Consider yourself invited. Complete the registration form and return it. We’ll be awaiting your application.

Pending grants