“Why, then the world’s mine oyster, which I with sword will open.”
– Pistol from The Merry Wives of Windsor
In September 2015, a new era in music at the National Arts Centre will begin with the arrival of Music Director Designate of the NAC Orchestra, Alexander Shelley, an exceptionally talented conductor.
Shelley cares deeply about attracting a new generation of audiences, and has created imaginative ways to present classical music. One of those is “440Hz”, an innovative concert series in Dusseldorf with the Schumann Camerata ensemble (which he founded) that involved prominent German television, stage and musical personalities.
In November 2014, Shelley leads A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and includes music inspired by Shakespeare by Mendelssohn, Nicolai and Korngold. The concerts also feature Canadian film, TV and theatre star Colm Feore as the narrator. Donna Feore, director and choreographer of the runaway Stratford hit show Crazy for You, has expertly weaved Colm Feore into the show, who will perform parts of A Midsummer Night’s Dream from various positions on the stage.
Shelley has also led concerts as part of the Casual Fridays series, which aims to attract younger audiences to classical music by blending the concert experience with socializing, food and wine. The concerts, which start and end earlier, innovate with large video screen projection and feature compelling hosts. One concert featured American organ superstar Cameron Carpenter, and was hosted by Canadian rocker Kathleen Edwards.
Alexander Shelley, welcome back to the NAC!
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