In today's NACO Lunch Break, Elizabeth Simpson, Second Horn in Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra, performs a program designed especially for younger listeners.
Learn about her instrument and hear her perform an excerpt from Mozart's Rondo K417, Frère Jacques and The Grand Old Duke of York. In 2013, Elizabeth Simpson co-created the NAC’s Music Circle, a music program for children, teens and adults with special needs. This program introduces orchestral instruments and the joy of live music, through workshops and a sensory friendly concert. https://nac-cna.ca/en/training/musiccircle/1
Retired since 2023 from her position as Second Horn of the NAC Orchestra, Elizabeth always enjoyed being a part of this vanguard orchestra. She has played the horn in many performances with them since 1986 and officially became the Second horn player in the NAC Orchestra in 2011.
Elizabeth studied music at the University of Ottawa and later got a master's degree in music performance from Indiana University. She learned from some well-known musicians, including Daniel Gress, Philip Farkas, Meir Rimon, Michael Hatfield, and Arnold Jacobs. While studying music, Elizabeth received the Ottawa Music Festival Senior Scholarship in 1983 and the NAC Orchestra Bursary in 1984.
Elizabeth was one of the musicians who started the Bel Canto Wind Quintet, a group that played music together for eleven years in Ottawa. They went on tours in Ontario and Quebec. The group was heard often on the radio, including CBC Radio and Radio Canada, and performed as part of the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival.
Elizabeth is also a member of the Capital Brass Works. This group has thirteen members who play brass and percussion instruments. They’ve organized their own concert series in Ottawa, gone on tours in Ontario, and made three CDs.
Elizabeth enjoys teaching music, and has taught at several places in Ottawa, including the University of Ottawa, Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy, and Canterbury School of the Arts.
In 2013, Elizabeth helped create the NAC's Music Circle. This is a music program for children, teens, and adults who have autism, developmental disabilities, or are sensitive to light, noise, or crowds. Audience members learn about orchestra instruments and enjoy live music through workshops and concerts that are designed to be comfortable for everyone.
Elizabeth has also worked with students at the OCDSB, CHEO, and the Lotus Centre, as well as with adults in the LIFE programs. She loves sharing her passion for music with others.
Elizabeth Simpson, qui a passé la majeure partie de sa vie à Ottawa, est fière d’évoluer au sein de l’orchestre qu’elle a admiré pendant de nombreuses années. Elle occupe officiellement le poste de deuxième cor depuis 2011, mais elle joue régulièrement dans la section des cors depuis 1986.
Mme Simpson a obtenu son baccalauréat en éducation musicale de l’Université d’Ottawa et sa maîtrise en interprétation musicale de l’Université de l’Indiana. Elle a été l’élève d’un grand nombre d’interprètes réputés, dont Daniel Gress, Philip Farkas, Meir Rimon, Michael Hatfield et Arnold Jacobs. Pendant ses études, elle a reçu la bourse du Festival de musique d’Ottawa en 1983 et la bourse de l’Orchestre du CNA en 1984.
Elle a été membre fondatrice du Quintette à vent Bel Canto, qui a présenté pendant onze ans une série de concerts couronnée de succès à Ottawa. Cet ensemble de chambre a également fait des tournées en Ontario et au Québec, et on a pu l’entendre souvent sur les ondes de CBC Radio et de Radio-Canada, ainsi qu’au Festival international de musique de chambre d’Ottawa.
Elle fait de plus partie de Capital Brass Works. Ce divertissant ensemble de cuivres et de percussions de 13 membres a présenté sa propre série de concerts à Ottawa, s’est produit en tournée en Ontario et a trois CD à son actif.
Mme Simpson garde de bons souvenirs de ses expériences d’enseignement dans de nombreux établissements d’Ottawa, dont l’Université d’Ottawa, l’Académie des orchestres de jeunes d’Ottawa et la Canterbury School of the Arts.
En 2013, Mme Simpson a été l’une des créatrices du Cercle musical du CNA, un programme d’éducation musicale destiné aux enfants, adolescents et adultes ayant des besoins particuliers. À travers des ateliers et un concert adapté aux sensibilités sensorielles, le Cercle musical offre une initiation aux instruments d’orchestre et au plaisir de vivre la musique en direct.
Mme Simpson œuvre auprès des élèves du OCDSB, du CHEO et du Lotus Centre, ainsi que des adultes des programmes LIFE.
5:59
4:36
5:21
5:40
5:17
3:10
4:55
22:23
9:08
4:33
6:37
5:54
4:26
4:34
5:08
