When you walk into an OrKidstra rehearsal, you don’t just hear music—you feel possibility. Violins, flutes and voices rise together, creating more than harmony. They create hope.
Founded in 2007, OrKidstra is inspired by the El Sistema model, a globally recognized program from Venezuela that uses music education as a tool for social change. OrKidstra’s mission is simple yet profound: empower kids and build community through music. By providing free instruments, lessons and performance opportunities, OrKidstra opens doors for children from Ottawa’s underserved neighborhoods—doors to education, confidence and a brighter future.
Why music? Because music teaches more than notes. It teaches respect, compassion, teamwork and responsibility. These life lessons matter most where opportunities are scarce, which is why OrKidstra focuses on Ottawa’s underserved communities. As Co-Founder and Artistic Managing Director Tina Fedeski explains: “OrKidstra uses music as a tool for social development, helping children discover confidence and community through shared learning.”
The need…and the answer
Ottawa is a city of contrasts. While it boasts cultural richness, nearly 12% of its children live in poverty, with some neighborhoods reaching rates as high as 29%. For many families, access to quality arts education is out of reach. OrKidstra bridges that gap, offering students across the city access to the program. Together, these hubs will serve more than 1,600 students annually, creating a network of opportunity where it’s needed most.
Former OrKidstra parent and current program Ambassador, Kelly Lee Evans, puts it best: “OrKidstra changed my kids’ lives. It turned shy children into confident performers. And because it’s free, families like mine can access opportunities that would otherwise be impossible.”
Stories of transformation
For Rinila, who immigrated from India at age eight, OrKidstra is more than music—it is like being part of a family. “I joined through my elementary school and instantly felt at home. OrKidstra taught me dedication and time management and even gave me the confidence to love public speaking. Today, those skills shape my life.”
Omar’s story echoes that sense of belonging. “I came back to Ottawa as a teen with no community. OrKidstra became my second home. It gave me confidence and lifelong friends. Playing at Canada 150 and the Junos were highlights, but the real magic was in Thursday rehearsals with friends.”
These stories show how OrKidstra is more than a music program; it’s a catalyst for confidence and connection, using the universal language of music to unite children from diverse backgrounds, learn from one another and grow into leaders. Each journey is unique, yet the outcome is the same: transformation. From shy newcomers to confident performers, OrKidstra helps young people unlock potential they never imagined.
“Our children represent 62 cultural and linguistic backgrounds. If we want the spaces and stages of tomorrow to reflect the diversity of Canada today, it’s important that we invest in pluralism in the arts.” – Carrie Lauzon, Executive Managing Director
Why we proudly support OrKidstra
The Azrieli Foundation believes education is the greatest accelerator of success. That’s why we’ve committed multi-year funding to help OrKidstra grow its reach and strengthen its impact. Our support fueled their ambitious expansion plan, including a new co-leadership structure and a hub-and-spoke model designed to bring music, and its transformative power, to more communities.
As Jason van Eyk, Managing Director of Music, Arts & Culture at the Foundation, says: “OrKidstra exemplifies how music education can change lives. By investing in their vision, we’re investing in a future where every child is given the opportunity to thrive.”
Looking ahead
OrKidstra’s story is still being written. With new hubs, innovative teaching models and a growing roster of talented educators, the organization is setting a benchmark for music education as a catalyst for social change. And with partners like the Azrieli Foundation, that change is accelerating.
