News Releases

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. NAC Gala Featuring k.d. lang Raises $747,000 for Arts Educations Programs Across Canada

    September 16, 2017

    Tonight’s 2017 National Arts Centre Gala presented by Rogers and featuring five Grammy- and Juno-Award winning singer/songwriter k.d. lang and the NAC Orchestra, under the leadership of its Music Director Alexander Shelley, has raised $747,000 (net) for the National Youth and Education Trust (NYET) in support of the NAC’s arts and education programs across Canada. The annual NAC Gala... Read more

  9. September 16 NAC Gala Featuring Canadian Icon k.d. lang: A Hot Ticket

    September 11, 2017

    Tickets to the 21st annual NAC Gala, presented by Rogers, on Saturday September 16 featuring Canadian superstar k.d. lang and the NAC Orchestra are almost sold out. k.d. lang — the Grammy- and Juno-Award winning singer/songwriter and her band — will take to the NAC’s Southam Hall stage in a performance that celebrates the 25th anniversary of her groundbreaking album... Read more

  10. Canadian Opera Legend Russell Braun joins faculty of NAC’s Young Artist Program June 5-24

    June 5, 2017

    Aspiring young artists to receive month-long training from all-star faculty (OTTAWA) – From June 5-24, 2017, 64 talented young musicians from all around the world will embark on a three-week coaching and mentorship program during the 19th edition of the National Arts Centre’s Young Artists Program (YAP). This year, renowned Canadian baritone Russell Braun, joins the all-star faculty,... Read more