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In-person event
- Bilingual
- Ages 14+
- ≈ 2 hours and 30 minutes with intermission
| Performance options | Start time | Language | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 10:00 am | bilingual | sold out |
This open rehearsal may cover the following repertoire:
- HANNAH KENDALL The Spark Catchers
- PETER LIEBERSON "Neruda Songs" for saxophone and orchestra
- JOHN WILLIAMS "Escapades" for saxophone and orchestra
- LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
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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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This rehearsal will feature music from British composer Hannah Kendall. The Spark Catchers is inspired by the work of British poet Lemn Sissay, who memorialized the “matchwomen” of the Bryant and May match factory in London. The women went on strike in 1888 to protest their dangerous working conditions.
American saxophonist Branford Marsalis is known the world over for delivering boundary-pushing performances—pure truth in jazz. He will perform “Neruda Songs” by composer Peter Lieberson, based on the intimate love poems of Pablo Neruda. This fresh arrangement, for saxophone and orchestra, “traces the arc of love’s evolution” (laphil.com)—intensely emotional and filled with happiness and longing.
Then, hisses and finger snaps ornament the music from the blockbuster movie Catch Me if You Can, by film composer extraordinaire John Williams. In Branford’s hands, the thrill of the chase is pin-accurate and exhilarating.
We close with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, a seismic work that Beethoven himself called his “most excellent symphony.” The world still can’t get enough more than two centuries after its debut in 1813.
All this under the brilliant direction of guest conductor Joana Carneiro, who brings all the musical puzzle pieces into one dazzling whole.
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. |