Canada's National Arts Centre

Canadian superstars headline Summer Music at the National Arts Centre   Summer Music includes something for everyone – from big names to small ensembles – as well as orchestral, choral, and chamber music concerts, opera, pops, and jazz

May 27, 2010

Rising jazz star Nikki Yanovsky, opera greats Michael Schade and Isabel Bayrakdarian, pianist Stewart Goodyear, and a host of young artists from across the country head up an exciting panoply of Canadian talent as part of this year’s Summer Music at the National Arts Centre (NAC). Musical events performed by the NAC Orchestra, megastar singers, small ensembles, and guest orchestras take place from June 12 to July 28 at the NAC as well as in a number of other venues in the city.

Included in NAC summer programming is the fourth season of the phenomenally popular series ‘Orchestras in the Park’, which encompasses four free outdoor classical, opera, and pop music concerts. The concerts are presented by the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the National Capital Commission at Lebreton Flats Park at 7:30 p.m. on July 22-25. Other Summer Music highlights include Canada Day celebrations, public concerts which are part of the NAC’s Summer Music Institute (SMI), public readings of new works by Canadian composers, masterclasses, and a jazz concert.

Summer Music at the NAC includes concerts featuring such incredible Canadian artists as pop/jazz phenomenon Nikki Yanofsky, soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, tenor Michael Schade, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, pianist Stewart Goodyear, L’Orchestre de la francophonie canadienne, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, and the 400-voice Unisong Choir. All the concerts are open to the public and many of them are absolutely free.

Summer Music at the National Arts Centre is under the artistic direction of Pinchas Zukerman, Music Director of the NAC Orchestra. In addition to Maestro Zukerman, guest conductors include Jean-Philippe Tremblay, Jacques Lacombe, and Edwin Outwater.

The National Arts Centre’s Summer Music Institute (SMI)

Created in 1999 by Pinchas Zukerman, the NAC Summer Music Institute has provided training to 669 participants from across Canada and 37 other countries around the world. This summer, 71 young musicians (ages 12 to 28), 10 young conductors and 11 young composers are working with an exceptional faculty led by Maestro Pinchas Zukerman; Co-Artistic Director Patinka Kopec; Maestro Kenneth Kiesler, Director, Conductors Program; and NAC Award-winning composer Gary Kulesha, Director, Composers Program in an array of challenging workshops, private instruction, chamber music coaching, masterclasses, and performances.

From June 12-29, three weeks of intense study and focus culminate in three chamber concerts by the students of the Young Artists Program on June 23, 24, and 26 at 7 p.m. in Tabaret Hall at the University of Ottawa.

The NAC Summer Music Institute is made possible through the wonderful generosity of individual donors, corporations, and the NAC Foundation’s National Youth and Education Trust (Founding Partner TELUS), including major support from NAC Donors’ Circle, Astral Media, Galaxie, Nippon Music Foundation, Universal Music Canada, University of Ottawa and Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.

A complete listing of Summer Music at the National Arts Centre events (including SMI concerts) follows:

SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Young Artists Program: Music at Noon
Saturday June 12, noon
Friday June 18, noon
Thursday June 24, noon
Venue: Freiman Hall, Pérez Music Building, University of Ottawa ~ 660 Cumberland
Free tickets available at the NAC box office and at the door
Enjoy some informal noon-hour concerts performed by the talented musicians of the Young Artists Program.

SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Young Artists Chamber Concerts: Music, Profit and Ambition -- presented in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of Civilization, in conjunction with the exhibition 'Profit and Ambition: The Canadian Fur Trade'
Thursday June 17, noon
Tuesday June 22, noon
Venue: Canadian Museum of Civilization ~ 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec
Free with admission to the Museum
Chamber music performances by members of the National Arts Centre Young Artists Program
Explore music of the "Old World" among a "New World" setting

SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Young Artists Masterclasses    
Saturday June 19, 7:30 p.m: Benita Valente, voice
Monday June 21, 7:30 p.m: Hans Jorgen Jensen, cello
Tuesday June 22, 7:30 p.m: Pinchas Zukerman and Patty Kopec, violin/viola
Venue: Freiman Hall, Pérez Music Building, University of Ottawa ~ 660 Cumberland
Tickets: $5

SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Friends of the National Arts Centre Orchestra Young Artists Appreciation Concert
In support of the Friends of NACO Membership Drive
Sunday June 20, 6:30 p.m. refreshments, 7 p.m. concert
Venue: Tabaret Hall, University of Ottawa ~ 550 Cumberland
Tickets: $10 Non Members / Students $4 / Friends of NACO and new Friends of NACO members free

SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Young Artists Chamber Concert Series
Wednesday June 23, 7 p.m.  
Thursday June 24, 7 p.m.  
Saturday June 26, 7 p.m.  
Venue: Tabaret Hall, University of Ottawa ~ 550 Cumberland
Tickets: $10 per concert / $15 for two concerts / $21 for three concerts
Three different concerts featuring the exceptionally talented string, winds, piano and voice ensembles participating in the program

SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Celebration of Future Classics -- Composers Program Concert
Monday June 28, 7:30 p.m.
Performance by members of l'Orchestre de la francophonie canadienne
Jean-Philippe Tremblay, conductor
Gary Kulesha, Director, Composers Program
Venue: Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre       
Tickets: Onstage seating $15
Experience the world premieres of five new works by the composing fellows of the 8th Composers Program and a work by Guest Composer George Tsontakis

SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Conductors Concert
Kenneth Kiesler, Director, Conductors Program
Tuesday June 29, 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre
Tickets: Free tickets may be picked up in person at the NAC Box Office
Superb orchestral classics by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Prokofiev performed by the NAC Orchestra under the baton of the five conducting fellows of the 10th NAC Conductors Program

SPECIAL CONCERT
Unisong Choir
Gerald Fagen, conductor
Wednesday June 30, noon
Venue: National Arts Centre main foyer stage
Free concert, no tickets required
The 400-voice Unisong Choir includes choristers from across Canada

CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS
Thursday July 1
Free concerts and activities all day at the NAC – no tickets required. There is something for everyone! Activities take place rain or shine. 

  • Unisong Choir ~ 10 a.m.
  • National Arts Centre Orchestra with Unisong Choir ~ free concerts, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
    Pinchas Zukerman, conductor
    Venue: Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre
    Hosted by Max Keeping
  • Kids Corner with Tante Caroline
    11 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Venue: Studio foyer of the National Arts Centre
  • Follow the Rhythm with Staff 613
    Outdoor performance on Lawrence Freiman Lane ~ 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

SPECIAL CONCERT
Dave Brubeck with the National Arts Centre Orchestra
TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival
Saturday July 3, 8 p.m.          
Venue: Confederation Park
All tickets $50, available through the TD International Jazz Festival box office         

SPECIAL CONCERT
National Arts Centre Orchestra New Music Readings
Gary Kulesha, conductor and host
Thursday-Friday July 8-9, 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Venue: National Arts Centre main foyer
Free admission, no tickets required
Come hear the NAC Orchestra, led by Gary Kulesha, in rehearsal as they explore new works for orchestra by Canadian composers

SPECIAL CONCERT
The National Youth Orchestra of Canada
Jacques Lacombe, conductor
SHOSTAKOVICH Festive Overture
KATI AGÓCS New work commissioned by the National Youth Orchestra of Canada
R. STRAUSS Don Juan
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade
Wednesday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre
Free tickets available in person at the NAC box office    
                                    
ORCHESTRAS IN THE PARK - presented by the National Arts Centre and the National Capital Commission
L'Orchestre de la francophonie canadienne
Jean-Philippe Tremblay, conductor
Justine Pelletier, piano
SCHUMANN Symphony No.3 "Rhenish"
ANDREW STANILAND Only Darkness * * OFC Commission
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No.4 in G major, Op. 58
Thursday July 22, 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Lebreton Flats Park                  
Free concert
Under the baton of award-winning founding conductor Jean-Philippe Tremblay, L'Orchestre de la Francophonie canadienne promotes Canada's linguistic duality and forges strong cultural links between Anglophones and Francophones. But most important, the orchestra is known for simply making beautiful music. Equally at home with classical and pop repertoire, L'Orchestre de la Francophonie canadienne has released an album, performed with internationally known soloists and vocalists, and has given acclaimed concerts across Canada and on a hugely successful 11-city tour of China.

ORCHESTRAS IN THE PARK - presented by the National Arts Centre and the National Capital Commission
Opera Under the Stars
The National Arts Centre Orchestra
Edwin Outwater, conductor
Isabel Bayrakdarian, soprano
Lauren Segal, mezzo-soprano
Michael Schade, tenor
Phillip Addis, baritone
Opera Lyra Ottawa Chorus
Friday July 23, 7:30 p.m.                           
Venue: Lebreton Flats Park                  
Free concert
Thrill to some of opera's most gorgeous and popular melodies! Sung by a spectacular all-Canadian cast, this evening features Isabel Bayrakdarian and Michael Schade, two of opera's most blazingly popular singers. Powered by the full NAC Orchestra, this evening will transform you into an opera fan even if you don't know Figaro from Rigoletto. Enjoy selections from Mozart's Don Giovanni, Rossini's The Barber of Seville, and Strauss's Die Fledermaus -- and many more.

ORCHESTRAS IN THE PARK - presented by the National Arts Centre and the National Capital Commission
Nikki Yanofsky with the National Arts Centre Orchestra
Edwin Outwater, conductor
Katie Malloch, host
Time for Three, guest artists
Nikki Yanofsky, vocalist
Saturday July 24, 7:30 p.m.    
Venue: Lebreton Flats Park                  
Free concert
Current Canadian music 'It Girl', 16-year-old singer-songwriter Nikki Yanofsky, sells out concerts around the world - and is perfectly at home with pop, jazz, standards, and soul. Best known for her Olympic Games theme (and chart-topping pop hit) I Believe, Nikki recently released a self-titled album which demonstrates her incredible musical chops, showcasing an incredible range and stunning vocal power. Don't miss this chance to enjoy her performing live with the NAC Orchestra!

ORCHESTRAS IN THE PARK - presented by the National Arts Centre and the National Capital Commission
Gershwin in the Park
The National Arts Centre Orchestra
Edwin Outwater, conductor
Stewart Goodyear, piano
GERSHWIN An American in Paris
JOHN ESTACIO Frenergy
GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue
Sunday July 25, 7:30 p.m.        
Venue: Lebreton Flats Park                  
Free concert
Stewart Goodyear is a knockout! A phenomenal pianist who combines dexterity and sensitivity, he astonishes audiences with his graceful, elegant style and exquisite technique. Known for his crisp, emotionally radiant performances, the San Francisco Chronicle said, "Goodyear's delivery of this music was breathtaking." Goodyear is a Gershwin devotee, and his rendition of Rhapsody in Blue -- perfect summer music! - will have you on your feet, cheering.

SUMMER MUSIC AT THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE
CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING

Saturday June 12
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE (Free): Young Artists Program: Music at Noon
Freiman Hall, Pérez Music Building, University of Ottawa ~ 660 Cumberland

Thursday June 17
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Young Artists Chamber Concerts: Music, Profit and Ambition
Canadian Museum of Civilization ~ 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec
Free with admission to the Museum

Friday June 18
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE (Free): Young Artists Program: Music at Noon
Freiman Hall, Pérez Music Building, University of Ottawa ~ 660 Cumberland

Saturday June 19
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Young Artists Masterclasses -- Benita Valente, voice
Freiman Hall, Pérez Music Building, University of Ottawa ~ 660 Cumberland - 7:30 pm - tickets $5

Sunday June 20
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Friends of the National Arts Centre Orchestra Young Artists Appreciation Concert
6:30 p.m. refreshments, 7 p.m. concert
Tabaret Hall, University of Ottawa ~ 550 Cumberland
Tickets: $10 Non Members / Students $4 / Friends of NACO and new Friends of NACO members free

Monday June 21
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Young Artists Masterclasses -- Hans Jorgen Jensen, cello
Freiman Hall, Pérez Music Building, University of Ottawa ~ 660 Cumberland - 7:30 pm - tickets $5

Tuesday June 22
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Young Artists Chamber Concerts: Music, Profit and Ambition
Canadian Museum of Civilization ~ 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec - noon
Free with admission to the Museum

Tuesday June 22
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Young Artists Masterclasses at -- Pinchas Zukerman and Patty Kopec, violin/viola
Freiman Hall, Pérez Music Building, University of Ottawa ~ 660 Cumberland - 7:30 p.m. - tickets $5

Wednesday June 23
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Young Artists Chamber Concert Series
Tabaret Hall, University of Ottawa ~ 550 Cumberland - 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 per concert / $15 for two concerts / $21 for three concerts

Thursday June 24
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE (Free): Young Artists Program: Music at Noon
Freiman Hall, Pérez Music Building, University of Ottawa ~ 660 Cumberland

Thursday June 24
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Young Artists Chamber Concert Series
Tabaret Hall, University of Ottawa ~ 550 Cumberland - 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 per concert / $15 for two concerts / $21 for three concerts

Saturday June 26  
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Young Artists Chamber Concert Series
Tabaret Hall, University of Ottawa ~ 550 Cumberland - 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 per concert / $15 for two concerts / $21 for three concerts

Monday June 28
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE: Celebration of Future Classics -- Composers Program Concert
Members of l'Orchestre de la francophonie canadienne; Jean-Philippe Tremblay, conductor; Gary Kulesha, Director, Composers Program
NAC Southam Hall - 7:30 p.m. -- onstage seating $15

Tuesday June 29
NAC SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE (Free): Conductors Concert
Kenneth Kiesler, Director, Conductors Program
NAC Southam Hall - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday June 30
SPECIAL CONCERT (Free): Unisong Choir; Gerald Fagen, conductor
NAC main foyer stage - noon

Thursday July 1
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS
Unisong Choir ~ 10 a.m.
National Arts Centre Orchestra with Unisong Choir ~ free concerts, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. - NAC Southam Hall
Kids Corner with Tante Caroline -- 11 a.m.-4 p.m. - NAC Studio foyer
Follow the Rhythm with Staff 613
Outdoor performance on Lawrence Freiman Lane ~ 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Saturday July 3
SPECIAL CONCERT: Dave Brubeck with the National Arts Centre Orchestra
TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival
Confederation Park - 8 p.m.
All tickets $50, available through the TD International Jazz Festival box office         

Thursday July 8
SPECIAL CONCERT (Free): National Arts Centre Orchestra New Music Readings
Gary Kulesha, conductor and host
NAC main foyer -- 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Friday July 9
SPECIAL CONCERT (Free): National Arts Centre Orchestra New Music Readings
Gary Kulesha, conductor and host
NAC main foyer -- 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Thursday July 22
ORCHESTRAS IN THE PARK (Free) - presented by the NAC and the NCC
L'Orchestre de la francophonie canadienne -- Jean-Philippe Tremblay, conductor; Justine Pelletier, piano
Schumann, Andrew Staniland, Beethoven
Lebreton Flats Park - 7:30 p.m.

Friday July 23
ORCHESTRAS IN THE PARK (Free) - presented by the NAC and the NCC
Opera Under the Stars
The National Arts Centre Orchestra -- Edwin Outwater, conductor; Isabel Bayrakdarian, soprano; Lauren Segal, mezzo-soprano; Michael Schade, tenor; Phillip Addis, baritone; Opera Lyra Ottawa Chorus
Lebreton Flats Park - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday July 24
ORCHESTRAS IN THE PARK (Free) - presented by the NAC and the NCC
Nikki Yanofsky with the National Arts Centre Orchestra; Edwin Outwater, conductor; Katie Malloch, host; Time for Three, guest artists
Lebreton Flats Park - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday July 25
ORCHESTRAS IN THE PARK (Free) - presented by the NAC and the NCC
Gershwin in the Park; The National Arts Centre Orchestra; Edwin Outwater, conductor; Stewart Goodyear, piano
Gershwin (An American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue), John Estacio
Lebreton Flats Park - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday July 28
SPECIAL CONCERT (Free): The National Youth Orchestra of Canada
NAC Southam Hall - 7:30 p.m.

Information:

                Gerald Morris
                Communications Officer, Summer Music at
                the NAC
                613-947-7000, ext. 335   
                [e-mail]  gmorris@nac-cna.ca  

                Carl Martin
                Communications Officer, Summer Music
                Institute (SMI)
                613-947-7000, ext. 560
                [e-mail] cmartin@nac-cna.ca