News Releases

  1. National Arts Centre Extends Alexander Shelley's Contract to 2023

    September 6, 2018

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) announced today that Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the NAC Orchestra, has agreed to extend his contract for four years, from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2023. Since Mr. Shelley joined the NAC as Music Director in 2015, the Orchestra has strengthened its national role and focus on Canadian creation and artists, in addition to receiving... Read more

  2. NAC Lifts the Curtain on Performance Hall Upgrades, Including Stunning New Orchestra Shell

    September 6, 2018

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) today lifted the curtain on dramatic production upgrades in its performance spaces, including a stunning new orchestra shell in its signature Southam Hall venue. These upgrades are part of the Production Renewal Project, a $114.9 million investment by the Government of Canada since 2014. Much of the NAC’s aging electrical and theatrical equipment has now been... Read more

  3. NAC Flag Flies at Half-mast in Honour of Canadian Theatre Icon Albert Millaire

    August 15, 2018

    The National Arts Centre mourns the loss of award-winning actor and director Albert Millaire. He was 83. Mr. Millaire had a significant impact on the cultural life of Canada, having received their country’s highest distinction in the performing arts, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2006. The National Arts Centre’s flag will fly at... Read more

  4. National Arts Centre Flags Fly at Half-mast in Honour of Jazz-Great Tommy Banks

    January 26, 2018

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) has lowered its flag at half-mast in memory of the legendary Canadian pianist and international conductor Tommy Banks, who has died at the age of 81. Tommy Bank’s career spanned more than six decades and included performances with international celebrities including Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett. He was an avid supporter of other Canadian artists, equally... Read more

  5. Highlights of an Extraordinary and Historic Year at Canada's National Arts Centre

    December 27, 2017

    In the midst of Canada’s 150th year, the National Arts Centre had one of the most successful years in its 48-year history. Here are some of the highlights of 2017: 1) The appointment of Kevin Loring as the NAC’s first-ever Artistic Director of Indigenous Theatre Kevin Loring is a Nlaka’pamux from the Lytton First Nation in B.C., a Governor General’s Award-winning... Read more

  6. National Arts Centre Orchestra's Canada 150 music and education tour comes to Iqaluit December 4 to 6

    November 28, 2017

    Members of Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra, along with Music Director Alexander Shelley, will visit Iqaluit December 4 to 6, and Yellowknife on December 9, for concerts and music education activities as part of the final segment of its Canada 150 Tour. One of the week’s highlights is a unique and intimate concert at St. Jude’s Cathedral in Iqaluit at 7:30 p.m. on... Read more

  7. NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE ORCHESTRA’S CANADA 150 TOUR ARRIVES IN SASKATOON OCTOBER 22

    October 17, 2017

    OTTAWA  —From October 17 to November 4, Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra, led by Music Director Alexander Shelley, will visit the western provinces and northern territories to continue the Canada 150 Tour, and it arrives in Saskatoon on October 22. This is the first tour led by Music Director Alexander Shelley, and it will feature Calgary-based pianist, Jan... Read more

  8. NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE ORCHESTRA’S CANADA 150 TOUR ARRIVES IN WINNIPEG OCTOBER 17

    October 12, 2017

    OTTAWA —From October 17 to November 4, Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra, led by Music Director Alexander Shelley, will visit the western provinces and northern territories to continue the Canada 150 Tour, and the first stop is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This is the first tour led by Music Director Alexander Shelley, and it will feature Calgary-based pianist, Jan Lisiecki. The... Read more

  9. The National Arts Centre's Ideas of North Festival: October 3 to 14

    September 26, 2017

    The National Arts Centre celebrates the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation and Finland’s centennial year by presenting the Ideas of North Festival from October 3 to 14. Audiences are invited to see and hear the North through a five-part program featuring seven concerts and a series of free events – including noon-hour concerts and pre-concerts chats on music and Nordic... Read more

  10. Three National Arts Centre Tours to Bring the Best of the Arts to Canadians this Fall

    September 19, 2017

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) will be criss-crossing Canada this Fall with three performing arts tours bringing the best theatre artists and musicians this country has to offer: From September 28 to October 14, NAC English Theatre will present Molière’s play Tartuffe – as re-imagined by east-coast comedy genius Andy Jones under the direction of Artistic Director Jillian... Read more