Combining a dynamic string orchestra with a swinging rhythm and two of Ottawa’s finest jazz soloists, the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra puts strings in focus for an exciting and unforgettable programme.

In the first half of this programme, vocalist Diane Nalini will sing sumptuous arrangements of the Great American Songbook by such luminaries as Nelson Riddle, French and Brazilian songs made famous by Juliette Greco and Elizeth Cardoso, as well as a few of her own arrangements.

The second half of our show will feature Mike Tremblay on tenor saxophone performing Focus. This seminal suite, originally written by Eddie Sauter for Stan Getz and a string orchestra, was inspired by seven fairytales as if Hans Christian Andersen were a musician. This masterful composition blends jazz and classical sounds in a unique composition that is beyond category.

The Ottawa Jazz Orchestra (OJO), based in Ottawa and founded in 2006, brings together many of Canada’s finest professional jazz and symphony orchestra musicians under the direction of bassist Adrian Cho. This unique ensemble has garnered kudos from both critics and audiences for its highly entertaining, innovative and educational presentations of seminal jazz-centric music performed by a diverse range of small and large ensembles.

Celebrated vocalist Diane Nalini composes and sings in four languages. She has recorded four albums, sung at jazz festivals around the globe, and given gala performances for President Bill Clinton and Sir Paul McCartney. She was nominated for the Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors at the 2002 Montreal International Jazz Festival, and was one of two finalists for the UK’s Young Jazz Vocalist of the Year awards for 2001. Diane’s original songs have also been featured in television, independent films, as well as the Hollywood movie “Charlotte Grey” starring Cate Blanchett, which featured her song “L’amour d’autrefois”, co-written with UK arranger/composer Dick Walter.

A native of Ottawa, Mike Tremblay has more than 20 years experience in the music industry as a saxophonist and educator. Mike holds a BA MUS from Carleton University, where he now teaches saxophone. His teachers include Kirk MacDonald, Alex Dean, and George Garzone. Mike adjudicates for Musicfest Canada ( jazz ensembles), and the Kiwanis Music Festival (concert bands, jazz ensembles, and woodwinds). Some of his performance and recording credits include Natalie Cole, Josh Groban, Alanis Morissette,John Pizzarelli, Lou Rawls, Bob Newhart,and Bernadette Peters.  Mike frequently performs with the National Arts centre Orchestra as part of the CTV POPS series.

Purchase tickets for all six season concerts for $190 (regular price $225).
Purchase tickets for any four season concerts for $135 (regular price $150).
Offer available in person at the NAC Box Office or by phone at 613 947-7000 x620.