Six Manitoba Singers Shine at NYCC 2026
- Jun 11
- 7 min read
Six Manitoba singers—Ian Olson, Bennett Radcliffe, Faye Desjarlais, Daelyn Fefchak, Jackson Hacault, and Aaron Cox—represented Manitoba in NYCC 2026, the National Youth Choir of Canada, a prestigious program that brings together 40 of the country’s top emerging choral artists aged 19–26. Led by Guest Conductor Dr. Julia Davids, alongside Apprentice Conductor Matthew Boutda and Collaborative Pianist Alex Chen, the choir offers a unique blend of performance and professional development.
This year’s program featured a newly commissioned work "Through the Noise" by Canadian composer Katerina Gimon with text written with quotes from NYCC participants and the winning piece from Choral Canada’s Competition for Choral Writing "We are Carried" composed by Manitoba’s own Scott Reimer.
For more information about the NYCC repertoire, click here to read the NYCC digital program.
The program ran May 3–16, 2026, beginning with an intensive rehearsal week at Simon Fraser University, followed by a performance tour across British Columbia, concluding with a featured concert at PODIUM 2026 in Victoria.
Beyond performance, NYCC participants took part in workshops with Canadian composers, career development sessions, and vocal and mental health training. The NYCC program fosters not only artistic growth but also lasting connections among young musicians from across Canada.
PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT
We asked the Manitoba participants to reflect on their time with NYCC. Their responses highlight not only the musical excellence of the program, but also the personal growth, connections, and unforgettable moments that made NYCC 2026 such a meaningful experience.
What was the highlight of your time at NYCC?
“My two weeks in the National Youth Choir of Canada were genuinely two of the best weeks of my entire life—I don’t say that lightly. At our very first rehearsal, as we began singing Parlez Moi arranged by Allan Bevan, I started to cry. It was such an honour to sing alongside some of the most dedicated, talented, and kind singers in the country. Hearing the richness of the ensemble for the first time made me truly realize the significance of being part of this choir.” - Daelyn Fefchak
Another memorable moment for Daelyn was a creative and lighthearted activity during rehearsal week known as the “Bachtail” party.
“We sang our Bach motet, Lobet Den Herrn, while walking around and interacting as though we were at a social gathering. Between smiles and laughter, we could hear the music come alive in a completely new way. It perfectly captured what NYCC was all about—connecting as people through the joy of singing.” - Daelyn.
“The program is so full of memory-making that it’s hard to pick just one. A few moments that stand out include the talent show, where we enjoyed folk songs from Newfoundland singers and a lively kitchen party jig led by the Maritimers. Outside of rehearsals, I even had the chance to cross a suspension bridge and go cliff diving in Lynn Canyon—definitely not something you get to do often in Manitoba! Overall, the friendships I made and strengthened during my second time in the program were the true highlight.” - Ian Olson
“I would have to say that my highlight of the whole experience was the tour around the Vancouver area and Vancouver Island. That part of the program felt a bit lower-stress, and the sense of community really grew as we travelled together and connected with the wonderful people in each stop along the way. It was such a blessing to be part of. While every part of NYCC was meaningful, this was definitely a standout moment.” - Aaron Cox
Did you learn any important lessons?
“Our director, Julia Davids, placed a strong emphasis on vocal health and stamina. While many of the techniques weren’t new, her consistent focus on SOVT exercises, intentional breaks, and awareness of vocal strain really reinforced how important those practices are for long-term singing.” - Ian Olson
"The entire experience was a huge period of growth for me, both as a musician and as a person. The intensity of the music-making process meant that simply keeping up was a major learning opportunity. Being part of a nearly professional-level ensemble was also incredibly valuable—I learned so much about collaboration, rehearsal processes, and how to shape big musical ideas as a group. I’m excited to bring those lessons back to my community choirs in Manitoba.” - Aaron Cox
Did you have a favourite musical moment, repertoire, or venue?
Both Ian and Aaron named "Puudutus" by Tõnu Kõrvits as their favourite piece.
“It’s a gentle protest song about Estonia’s occupation by the Soviet Union, and performing it in a contemporary Canadian context made it feel especially powerful and meaningful.” - Ian Olson
“While it was simpler than some of the other repertoire, it really brought us together as a choir. Singing something so beautiful as a form of resistance felt incredibly powerful. As young people today, we connected deeply with that message—it felt very relevant and meaningful in today’s world.” - Aaron Cox
Daelyn highlighted the impact of the commissioned work Through the Noise by Katerina Gimon. “She asked us to share our thoughts on what it’s like to be a young person today, and then wove our words into the piece itself. Seeing my own words included—and then performing them—was incredibly empowering.” The performances of the piece left a lasting impression on both singers and audiences alike.
“When we performed it for older audiences, they commented on how powerful it was to hear our perspectives. When we performed for high school students, some of them cried and said they felt understood. That experience showed me just how powerful music can be in expressing and sharing lived experiences.” - Daelyn Fefchak
Here's a note about the piece from the composer:
"Through the Noise" explores what it feels like to be a young person in the world today: from the pressure to be the generation to "fix" things to the challenges of growing up in a fast-moving, noisy, digital world. Generation Z feels the weight of it all. But day by day, they're learning, growing, and finding themselves in it all. Deliberately, bravely, and together, they're pushing the bounds of the past, charting new ground, and discovering who they are as they work to shape a future way they want to carry forward.
"THROUGH THE NOISE" QUOTES
"Trying to foster sincerity in an online world where everything is ironic and a joke."
"Trying to stop wasting my time on my phone."
"Trying to stop worrying about wasted time."
"Trying to foster community in an increasingly individualistic world."
"Trying to be optimistic and help others be optimistic too."
"We are reflections of those around us in different shapes."
"Ready to Fly."
Katerina Gimon's commission ended the final NYCC performance at PODIUM and moved the audience to a standing ovation in the sold out venue.
Would you recommend this experience to another singer?
“I would absolutely recommend NYCC. As Manitobans, we can sometimes feel disconnected from the broader national choral community. This experience introduced me to so many incredible singers, conductors, and ensembles from across Canada. I travelled to new places, met amazing people, and performed music at a level that few singers get to experience.” - Ian Olson
“I would absolutely recommend NYCC. The sense of community we built was something truly special. I’ve been part of many ensembles, but it’s rare to find a group where everyone feels included and genuinely enjoys being together. That connection made the music-making even more meaningful—it's something every singer should have the chance to experience.” - Aaron Cox
“I’m so grateful to have been part of the 2026 National Youth Choir, and I will definitely be auditioning again. The musical growth, the emotional connection, and the sense of community made it an experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.” - Daelyn Fefchak
THE SINGERS
Daelyn Fefchak is a soprano studying at Brandon University with Professor Sarah Hall. She currently sings in local choir Konektis, the Brandon University Chorale, and BU's upper voices ensemble, Solluna. She's in her third year of her Bachelor of Voice Performance and plans to obtain her education degree afterwards. She dreams of being a cruise ship performer before finding a job as a music or english teacher!
Faye Desjarlais is a multifaceted musician majoring in vocal performance at Brandon University. She performs extensively with choirs in the Western Manitoba region, including Novos and the Brandon University upper voices ensemble, Solluna. Faye maintains a busy voice and guitar studio and is a passionate collector of cats.
Aaron Cox is a second year student at Brandon University studying Vocal Performance. Currently, Aaron is active with Konektis Choir and the Brandon University Chorale. Aside from singing in choirs, Aaron loves to sing solo repertoire, play the piano, and do some light choral arranging. Aaron is very excited for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the performances!
Ian Olson is an active tenor in the Winnipeg music community. He currently sings as a section lead at St. Andrew River Heights United Church, and has sung with Canzona, Dead of Winter, University Singers, and other choirs whenever he can. He completed his undergraduate degree in vocal performance and a post-baccalaureate diploma in performance at the University of Manitoba. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at the U of M and U of W. He is incredibly excited to get to represent Manitoba at the National Youth Choir of Canada for the second time this May.
Bennett Radcliffe is a bass/baritone currently finishing his four-year bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at the Brandon University School of Music. He has sung in a variety of local Manitoban choirs such as Provincial Honour Choir, Westman Youth Choir, and is currently in his fourth year with the professional group, Konektis. His life outside of choir is still full of music, whether that be performing with friends and peers in small venues around Brandon or working on his own personal music projects.
Jackson Hacault is currently pursuing a 5-year music education degree with a major in choral education. He has had many musical opportunities including seven years at the International Music Camp and three years participating in the Central Manitoba Youth Choir. He has participated in the National Youth Choir in 2024 and is looking forward to participating again. Jackson enjoys umpiring softball, playing basketball and making music!
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