As Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, a day dedicated to acknowledging the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing journey toward healing, we invite Canadians to engage with I Lost My Talk, the heartfelt poem of Mi’kmaw elder Rita Joe. In…
Renowned CBC News Network host Heather Hiscox leads a fascinating panel discussion about the four remarkable Canadian women who are the subjects of Life Reflected; author Alice Munro, teen Amanda Todd, astronaut Roberta Bondar, and Mi’kmaw poet and elder Rita Joe. Their stories are told…
The recent landmark report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada on the abuses at residential schools states that art has the extraordinary ability to heal. The National Arts Centre hosted a timely panel discussion on art in the context of reconciliation moderated by Dr.…
When Pinchas Zukerman became Music Director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in 1999, a heady mixture of surprise and delight swept across Canada. As one of the finest violinists and violists of his generation — of any generation — Maestro Zukerman could have chosen another orchestra…
The NAC Orchestra’s UK Tour of performance, remembrance and education has seen the Orchestra perform beautiful concerts and engage in meaningful education events. In the week since the tour began, there have been many highlights. In Edinburgh, Orchestra musicians rehearsed with Big Noise…
The NAC Orchestra’s UK Tour marks the third time NAC Award Composer John Estacio has toured with the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Mr. Estacio’s composition Brio has been featured on the NAC Orchestra’s 2011 tour to Atlantic Canada and the 2013 tour to China. The NAC's tour to the United…
It’s not easy to surprise a former Prime Minister, but that’s exactly what the Right Honourable Joe Clark’s family did on June 5 at the National Arts Centre when they announced that their gift to him for his 75th birthday is a new piece of music commissioned for the National Arts Centre…
In his beautiful composition A Ballad of Canada, the late Canadian composer Malcolm Forsyth remembered John McCrae and his infamous 1915 poem, In Flanders Fields. McCrae composed the poem in the field, his surgeon’s kit bloodied and his heart broken after seeing a school friend die in…
“Pinchas not only expresses his lifetime of experience through his work, but through his commitment to excellence in his teaching, conducting and advocacy. He represents a vision, but most especially a sound of a more beautiful, hospitable world.” – Adrian Anantawan, Canadian violinist and…
The National Arts Centre enjoyed a highly successful and memorable year over the past twelve months. Here are our top 13 moments from 2013: 1) The National Arts Centre Orchestra’s triumphant China Tour in October featured sellout concerts, rave reviews and standing ovations with eight…
While in Shanghai, NAC Orchestra musicians held more than a dozen masterclasses and instrument coaching sessions for students at the Shanghai Conservatory, one of the most prestigious conservatories in China.
The concert at the Grand Theatre in Chongqing was spectacular. The concert began with Canadian composer John Estacio’s Brio: Toccata and Fantasy for Orchestra. NAC Orchestra musicians and the audience were captivated by Pinchas Zukerman's performance of Bruch's violin concerto no. 1 — a…
NAC Award Composer John Estacio joined the NAC Orchestra's tour to China in Guangzhou. To date his work Brio: Toccata and Fantasy for Orchestra has been performed in Guangzhou and Fuling. The composer took a few moments to share his experiences thus far.
On Wednesday, April 17th, the NAC Foundation held its annual Emeritus Luncheon to thank donors who have provided a gift for the future, through a bequest in their will, a gift of life insurance or other planned giving arrangements. Emeritus Circle members and guests enjoyed a NAC Orchestra…
Music is often described as a conversation between the listener and the performer. However, it is the composer who has written the script. In this interview, NAC Award Composer John Estacio speaks about the composition process and his newly commissioned work for the National Arts Centre…