OTTAWA, June 10^th, 2019 —The 23^rd annual NAC fundraising Gala marking the National Arts Centre’s 50^th Anniversary will take place on Saturday, October 5^th, 2019.The gala-concert showcases artists from Dance, Theatre and Music and includes a performance by Grammy and Juno award winning Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan with the NAC Orchestra. Tickets go on sale to the public on June 13^th.

 

The first half of the performance features some of Canada’s brightest stars, including NAC Orchestra and Music Director Alexander Shelley; The National Ballet of Canada principal Dancer Greta Hodgkinson; and the phenomenal Canadian Indigenous pop singer-songwriter iskwē. Writer, director and actor Mani Soleymanlou explores notions of community identity in an excerpt from Un/One. During the performance, a procession of costumes spanning five decades and archival video footage and imagery from the vaults of the NAC enhance the evening’s theme of nostalgia.

 

In the second half, legendary singer-songwriter and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee,Sarah McLachlan performs with the NAC Orchestra. Her set will include hits from her albums such as Surfacing (1997) and Shine On (2014) and is expected to be approximately 60 minutes in duration.The complete gala performance is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission.

 

Guests are invited to begin the evening at the gala’s pre-performance cocktail reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres prepared by NAC Executive Chef Kenton Leier.

 

Proceeds from the 23^rd annual NAC Gala will support the National Youth and Education Trust which provides youth and education programming across Canada.

 

TIMES AND TICKETS

 

DATE:  Saturday, October 5^th, 2019.
 

WHERE:  The National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall.
 

WHEN:  

• 5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception.
• 6:30 p.m. Concert begins.
• 9: 00 p.m. Post-performance dancing
   

TICKETS: Starting at $135, available online and at the NAC Box Office

• On sale as of  June 13^th.
• Charitable tax receipts will be issued for allowable amounts.

 

SUPPORTERS

 

We wish to thank Honorary Patrons Bonnie and John Buhler, for their generous support, and other supporters including David Aisenstat, Emond Harnden, The Asper Foundation, Arel, Mark Motors Audi, and Trinity Development. Their investment through the Trust, as well as individual and corporate donors from all across the country, help the NAC nurture and develop the creativity of young people in all regions across Canada and support the educators and artists who challenge and encourage them.

 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL YOUTH AND EDUCATION TRUST

The NAC Gala fundraiser benefits the National Youth and Education Trust by providing much-needed resources for the National Arts Centre’s youth and education programming all across the country. The Trust also supports masterclasses, online activities and youth programming for dance and theatre and donates tickets to children who might otherwise be unable to afford to attend performances at the NAC. Funds are raised through ticket sales, sponsorship and donations.

 

ABOUT THE NAC

The National Arts Centre collaborates with artists and arts organizations across Canada to help create a national stage for the performing arts, and acts as a catalyst for performance, creation and learning across the country. Founded on June 2, 1969, the National Arts Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019 with an array of special programming and activities throughout the year.  A home for Canada’s most creative artists, the NAC strives to be artistically adventurous in each of its programming streams – the NAC Orchestra, English Theatre, French Theatre, Dance and NAC Presents. NAC Indigenous Theatre will begin its first season of programming in the fall of 2019. The NAC’s National Creation Fund invests up to $3 million of privately raised funds every year in 15 to 20 ambitious new works by Canadian artists and arts organizations. The NAC building has recently undergone two extensive renewal projects, generously funded by the Government of Canada, which have re-oriented the NAC to the city; allowed the NAC to become more welcoming and accessible; and returned its performance halls and production facilities to contemporary standards. The NAC is at the forefront of youth and educational activities, offering artist training, programs for children and youth, and resources for teachers in communities across Canada. The NAC is also a pioneer in new media, showcasing the performing arts across the country through the Kipnes Lantern, the largest transparent LED installation in North America; using technology to teach students and young artists around the globe; creating top-rated podcasts; and providing a wide range of NAC Orchestra concerts on demand. The NAC is the only bilingual, multidisciplinary performing arts centre in Canada, and one of the largest in the world.

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