Student Open Rehearsal

Mendelssohn, Estacio & Donnelly

with the NAC Orchestra

Karen Donnelly
Anna Sułkowska-Migoń © Piotr Banasik
Music Classical music
  • In-person event

  • Bilingual
  • ≈ 2 hours  and  30 minutes  with intermission
Performance options Start time Language Availability
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 10:00 am bilingual sold out

This open rehearsal may cover the following repertoire:

  • FELIX MENDELSSOHN "The Hebrides" Overture, Op. 26, “Fingal’s Cave”
  • JOHN ESTACIO Trumpet Concerto
  • SCHUBERT Symphony No. 8 in B minor, “Unfinished”
  • WOJCIECH KILAR Orawa

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Student Open Rehearsals are a unique opportunity to hear the National Arts Centre Orchestra at work in rehearsal with some of the world’s finest conductors and soloists. They are exclusively reserved for students in Grade 9 (ages 14+) through to University level.

Typically held on Wednesday or Thursday mornings, these rehearsals provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Orchestra’s preparation for that week’s concerts. Attendees are welcome to stay for the full rehearsal or leave at intermission. As a courtesy to the musicians who are focused on their work, please minimize noise and avoid talking during the session.

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Felix Mendelssohn loved the isolation and beauty of Scotland’s Hebrides Islands so much that he wrote his Overture’s opening notes on a postcard to his sister, trying to express how deeply touched he was by the seascape there. The scene he sets in music captures the swell and feel of the ocean crashing on the shoreline and echoing through rocky seaside caves. 

The Hebrides is scored for several woodwind and brass instruments, making it a wonderful complement to John Estacio’s Trumpet Concerto played by NACO’s Principal Trumpet Karen Donnelly. John Estacio is one Canada’s busiest composers, and rightly so. Nineteen orchestras came together to commission his trumpet concerto celebrating Canada 150.

Tying it all together is Polish guest conductor Anna Sułkowska-Migoń, who makes her National Arts Centre Orchestra debut for this performance of spellbinding music. At barely 30 years old, she is a rising star in the international world of conducting. 

Student Open Rehearsals are subject to change or cancellation at any time.
When requesting more than one rehearsal, priority will be given to first-time attendees for the current NAC Orchestra season.

Duration and itinerary

60 minutes before rehearsal start Groups begin arriving through the NAC Canal Lobby. School buses drop off and pick up students at the Canal Entrance, accessed through Freiman Lane.
15 minutes before rehearsal start All groups have arrived. Doors open, and groups are seated in Southam Hall for the rehearsal.
Rehearsal start time The first part of the rehearsal begins.
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes after rehearsal start time End of the first part of the rehearsal. The audience must remain seated until the Orchestra rises to take a break.
20-minute break Groups who must leave before the end of the rehearsal can do so at this point.
Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes after rehearsal start time The second part of the rehearsal begins.
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes after rehearsal start time End of the rehearsal. Please note that the rehearsal may end earlier; this decision is up to the conductor.

Artists

  • anna-sulkowska-migon
    Conductor Anna Sułkowska-Migoń
  • Trumpet Karen Donnelly
  • Composer John Estacio
  • bio-orchestra
    NAC Orchestra
  • hunt-mccoy-tobi-fred-cattroll-535
    Stage Manager Tobi Hunt McCoy

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Learning and engagement at Canada’s National Arts Centre is made possible through the support of many generous individuals and organizations from across the country. Arts Alive is generously supported by the Azrieli Foundation, the Government of Nunavut, Canadian North, Calm Air, The River Philip Foundation, The Turnbull Family Community Building Foundation, and The Thomas Sill Foundation. Thank you also to Grant and Alice Burton, Canada Life, A Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Ottawa, Friends of the NAC Orchestra, Donors to the NAC Foundation's Future Fund, The Janice and Earle O’Born Fund for Artistic Excellence, and the donors and sponsors of the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust, the primary resource for youth and education funding at the National Arts Centre.