News Releases

  1. Henry Kennedy appointed first Resident Conductor of NAC Orchestra

    July 4, 2024

    Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) is delighted to announce that Nova Scotian conductor Henry Kennedy has been selected as its new Resident Conductor. Kennedy will commence his two-year term at the beginning of the 2024-2025 season. Henry Kennedy hails from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and has spent his educational and professional life mostly based in the United Kingdom. His... Read more

  2. 2024 : A Summer Odyssey – A World Premiere, A Local Violin Sensation, and Strauss' Epic Tone Poem

    June 20, 2024

    June 20, 2024 – OTTAWA – Take a break from the summer sun and experience a different kind of heat as the NAC Orchestra (NACO) brings you an epic tone poem, a brilliant homegrown international violin sensation, and a world premiere, inspired by Japanese sci-fi magic — all on the Southam Hall stage.  On July 4th at 8:00pm, Music Director Alexander Shelley will lead the... Read more

  3. NAC Orchestra presents stellar lineup at free Canada Day Concert

    June 6, 2024

    The spectacular Canada Day celebration takes place at Southam Hall on July 1st at 2:30pm June 6, 2024 – OTTAWA – Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra is thrilled to announce the program of Canadian musical talent and composers for its annual Canada Day Concert. Admission is free. On July 1st, Music Director Alexander Shelley will lead the NAC Orchestra alongside JUNO... Read more

  4. The National Arts Centre Unveils a Stirring New Season for 2024-2025

    May 8, 2024

    Get your calendars ready for an epic journey of stage performances and beyond.  MAY 9, 2024 – Ottawa, Canada – The National Arts Centre today revealed its programming for the 2024-2025 season. Building on the success of the current season featuring some of the most diverse and creative Canadian and international artists, the 2024-2025 season will take audiences on breathtaking... Read more

  5. Together under the sun: Spend your summer with us at the National Arts Centre

    April 9, 2024

    Introducing the NAC's third summer programming season with exciting new offerings   April 9, 2024 – OTTAWA (Canada) – The NAC welcomes locals and visitors alike to gather 'Together under the Sun' from July 2nd to August 30th, 2024, for its third summer programming season.   Visitors are invited to enjoy interactive exhibits, music, dance, and theatre... Read more

  6. More than $24,000 awarded to young musicians at the 2024 NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition

    April 8, 2024

    24-year-old oboist Luca Ortolani wins the Grand Prize April 8, 2024 – OTTAWA – On Sunday, April 7, a talented group of music students aged 16 to 26, each with ties to the National Capital Region, competed for a chance to win prizes worth more than $24,000 in the 43rd annual National Arts Centre Orchestra Bursary Competition. This year’s Bursary winners are: 2024 NAC... Read more

  7. Celebrating Canadian Talent: 2024 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Laureates Announced

    February 22, 2024

    NEWS RELEASE CELEBRATING CANADIAN TALENT: 2024 GOVERNOR GENERAL’S PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS LAUREATES ANNOUNCED OTTAWA, February 22, 2024 – The Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts. The laureates of the 2024 Governor General’s Performing Arts... Read more

  8. Two Orchestras, One Symphony: A Groundbreaking Tour and Recording Project Celebrating Late Composer Jacques Hétu

    February 13, 2024

    Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and Orchestre symphonique de Québec unite on stage to present concerts featuring Canadian piano sensation Kevin Chen and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir  February 13th, 2024 – OTTAWA – Under the direction of Music Director Alexander Shelley, the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) and the Orchestre symphonique de... Read more

  9. Truth in Our Time: Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra and Alexander Shelley present the world premiere recording of Philip Glass's Symphony No. 13

    February 9, 2024

    Truth in Our Time complements American minimalist’s new symphony with compelling programming including Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9, Korngold’s Violin Concerto, featuring James Ehnes, and potent contemporary works by Nicole Lizée and Yao   "The concert was as much a capsule presentation of the orchestra as an institution as well as a performing ensemble.... Read more

  10. Call for Applications: National Arts Centre Orchestra Announces New Resident Conductor Program

    February 1, 2024

    Canadian, early-career professional conductors are invited to apply by March 7  February 1, 2024 – OTTAWA (Canada) – The National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) is expanding its suite of professional development programs with the announcement of a new Resident Conductor Program.  The new two-year position, commencing at the start of NACO’s 2024-25 season, provides... Read more