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Architect Jennifer Mallard discusses the inspiration behind the NAC’s architectural rejuvenation
August 30, 2016When the National Arts Centre was designed in the 1960s it was described as a 'fortress for the arts.' Attending a concert was a formal occasion; a departure from one's everyday activities. "Fred Lebensold, the original architect, envisioned the building as an outcropping of granite in the…
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Our new Elgin St. entrance takes shape
August 23, 2016The framework for the National Arts Centre's new Elgin St. entrance is almost complete. This drone footage provides a top down view of the new digital lantern that will function as a beacon for Canada's national stage. The new NAC will include improved performance spaces, public areas for…
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Kugluktuk students share message of hope and support through music
August 22, 2016Gordon Kaniak, a high school student in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, wrote this powerful song, "Suicide's Not the Answer," which he performed and recorded with fellow students. Gordon's work on this song was supported by Music Alive Program teaching artists Greg Brown, Andrew Morrison, Rita Claire…
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ENCOUNT3RS: a collaborative project with choreographer Emily Molnar
August 9, 2016Choreographer Emily Molnar's relationship with the National Arts Centre began when she first danced on stage with the National Ballet of Canada. She was seventeen years old. Now Artistic Director of Ballet BC, Molnar is one of three Canadian choreographers who have been commissioned by…
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Watch the NAC lantern take shape
July 29, 2016If you haven’t been near the NAC lately, you may have missed one of the most exciting and dramatic features of our renovation project so far. PCL Constructors Canada Inc. and their team from Delsan-AIM are approaching completion of the demolition phase of the project. Steel supplier Benson…
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Celestial sounds: the life of a harpist
July 23, 2016“People often associate the harp with heaven and angels,” says Manon Le Comte, a harpist who has been performing works like The Nutcracker, among many others, with the NAC Orchestra for over 35 years. “But there’s a very concrete aspect to it all: the pedals, the 2,000 metal parts, and one…
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NAC Music Circle Workshop at Woodroffe High School
July 20, 2016The NAC’s Music Circle Workshops for children, high school students and adults with special needs are run in partnership with the Lotus Centre for Special Music Education and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and take place in schools and community organizations. NAC Orchestra…
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Soar above the NAC Construction site
July 20, 2016If only the sound of construction work was as cinematic as Brahms' Symphony No. 4. A great deal of progress has been made on the NAC renovation project. Vast sections of the precast concrete exterior have been removed and the Fourth Stage and Panorama terrace have been demolished to make…
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Red carpet moments with 2016 GG Award recipients
June 30, 2016The Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) for Lifetime Artistic Achievement are Canada’s highest honour for the performing arts. This year's recipients are film producer Robert Lantos, singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark, choreographer Marie Chouinard, tenor Ben Heppner and…
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Southam Hall seats donated to three theatres
June 29, 2016The construction noise emanating from Southam Hall is very familiar to NAC employees now that we have entered the fourth month of the NAC renovations. Crews wasted no time in dismantling our historic venue. The first thing to go was the plush red seats. The NAC will donate more than 1,300…
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Choreographer Jean Grand-Maître speaks about ENCOUNT3RS
June 28, 2016ENCOUNT3RS is a landmark NAC commission that pairs three of Canada’s outstanding choreographic talents with three of the country’s most exciting composers. “It's been one of the most fascinating commissions so far in my life,” says choreographer Jean Grand Maître. Finding the right…
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A special reception in celebration of the Young Artist Program
June 22, 2016On the evening of June 6th, His Excellency Bruce Heyman, U.S. Ambassador to Canada and wife Vicki Heyman, hosted a special reception in celebration of the 18th edition of the National Arts Centre’s Young Artists Program (YAP). Since its inception in 1999 the Young Artists Program (YAP) has…
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The “big beam” floats through the NAC lobby
May 31, 2016Question: How do you move a 10 ton steel beam through the NAC lobby? Answer: On a cushion of air. In mid May PCL construction completed a significant milestone in the NAC renovation project. Members of Ironworkers local 765 installed a 10 ton (9071 kg) steel beam to support the new…
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Life Reflected Panel Discussion
May 24, 2016Renowned CBC News Network host Heather Hiscox leads a fascinating panel discussion about the four remarkable Canadian women who are the subjects of Life Reflected; author Alice Munro, teen Amanda Todd, astronaut Roberta Bondar, and Mi’kmaw poet and elder Rita Joe. Their stories are told…
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Travel through Music
May 19, 2016Air Canada gathered 24 musicians from 8 partner symphony orchestras in Canada, including the NAC orchestra, to create a unique interactive experience. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to become the conductor of the first pan-Canadian interactive concert on May 25 and 26 at the…
