News Releases

  1. NAC Orchestra Music Director Alexander Shelley Contract Extended to 2025-2026 Season

    September 8, 2022

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) is pleased to announce a three-year contract extension for Alexander Shelley as Music Director of the NAC Orchestra, from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2026. Since taking on the role of Music Director in 2015, Alexander Shelley has led the NAC Orchestra through transformational initiatives and major tours, highlighting the ensemble’s national role and... Read more

  2. STATEMENT: NAC Flags Fly at Half-Mast in Honour of Renowned Choreographer, performer and Mentor Tedd Robinson

    August 31, 2022

    It was with great sadness that the National Arts Centre (NAC) learned of the death of Tedd Robinson, a beloved figure in Canada's dance community, creative innovator in the performing arts, treasured mentor, and artistic consultant to innumerable dance artists in Canada and abroad.  A MAVERICK Tedd Robinson’s enduring legacy is the extraordinary body of work he created over his... Read more

  3. NAC Flags Fly at Half-mast in Honour of Renowned Conductor and Composer Bramwell Tovey

    July 13, 2022

    It was with great sadness the National Arts Centre (NAC) learned of the death of Bramwell Tovey, a towering figure in Canada’s classical music world and an influential arts leader worldwide. Maestro Tovey was a conductor and prolific composer with a body of work spanning more than 40 years.  The charismatic Tovey was known for his easy connections with audiences and musicians alike. He... Read more

  4. THE NAC WILL KICK OFF SUMMER WITH A BIG BANG: A CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL TO DELIGHT YOUNG AND OLD

    May 24, 2022

    News Release Summer edition to be presented over the Canada Day long weekend Ottawa, May 24, 2022 – On July 2 and 3, the sound of children’s laughter will echo through the National Arts Centre (NAC) during the BIG BANG Festival, an all-music event dedicated to youth. Forced to go digital last February, the popular sound adventure is back for 2022 (take 2) in a live... Read more

  5. STAGE ADAPTATION OF THE ICONIC CANADIAN NOVEL FALL ON YOUR KNEES TO PREMIERE IN 2023

    March 3, 2022

    News Release STAGE ADAPTATION OF THE ICONIC CANADIAN NOVEL FALL ON YOUR KNEES TO PREMIERE IN 2023 Five theatre companies partner to bring production based on Ann-Marie MacDonald’s internationally acclaimed novel to four cities March 3, 2022 – OTTAWA – National Arts Centre English Theatre, Vita Brevis Arts, Canadian Stage (Toronto), Neptune Theatre (Halifax) and Grand Theatre... Read more

  6. NINA LEE AQUINO APPOINTED NEXT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF NAC ENGLISH THEATRE

    January 6, 2022

    News Release NINA LEE AQUINO APPOINTED NEXT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF NAC ENGLISH THEATRE The acclaimed Filipino-Canadian director, dramaturg and teacher will take over from Jillian Keiley on August 29, 2022 January 6, 2022 – OTTAWA – Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC), today announced that Nina Lee Aquino has been appointed Artistic... Read more

  7. Cathy Levy's Tenure as NAC Dance Executive Producer to End December 31, 2022

    November 30, 2021

    Exceptional Artistic Leader Has Had Enormous Influence on Dance in Canada The National Arts Centre (NAC) today announced that Cathy Levy has chosen to end her tenure as Executive Producer of NAC Dance on December 31, 2022. Ms. Levy will program the 2022–2023 and 2023-2024 Dance seasons, and she will stay on in a temporary position until Spring 2023 to oversee the completion of select dance... Read more

  8. The National Arts Centre Brings Canadian Performing Artists to Expo

    September 28, 2021

    A dynamic and diverse lineup notably features Dominique Fils-Aimé, Jill Barber, Celeigh Cardinal, RIIT, Dancers of Damelahamid, Beòlach and Les Grands Hurleurs The National Arts Centre (NAC) is collaborating with Global Affairs Canada to present a broad spectrum of Canada’s performing arts at Expo 2020 Dubai, taking place in the United Arab Emirates from October 1, 2021, to... Read more

  9. Jillian Keiley to Complete her Tenure as NAC English Theatre Artistic Director on August 31, 2022

    July 22, 2021

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) today announced that Jillian Keiley will complete her tenure as Artistic Director of the NAC English Theatre on August 31, 2022. Ms. Keiley will program works for the 2022–2023 season, which will be presented after her departure. “MY GREATEST PRIVILEGE” Since she began her tenure in 2012, Ms. Keiley brought many exciting productions, delivering a... Read more

  10. Germaine Chazou-Essindi Named First Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the National Arts Centre

    May 3, 2021

    Christopher Deacon, president and CEO of Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC), announced today that Germaine Chazou-Essindi will take on the new position of Director of Diversity and Inclusion, effective immediately. Prior to joining the National Arts Centre, Germaine Chazou-Essindi was the Director of National Policy, Programs and Partnerships at the Department of Women and Gender Equality... Read more