-
Concert in Chongqing
October 13, 2013The concert at the Grand Theatre in Chongqing was spectacular. The concert began with Canadian composer John Estacio’s Brio: Toccata and Fantasy for Orchestra. NAC Orchestra musicians and the audience were captivated by Pinchas Zukerman's performance of Bruch's violin concerto no. 1 — a…
-
Interview with John Estacio in Fuling
October 11, 2013NAC Award Composer John Estacio joined the NAC Orchestra's tour to China in Guangzhou. To date his work Brio: Toccata and Fantasy for Orchestra has been performed in Guangzhou and Fuling. The composer took a few moments to share his experiences thus far.
-
From Mao to Xian
October 10, 2013In preparation for the tour, I read a number of books and watched films that might illuminate my trip. Somehow, many of the contemporary writers I came across took me back to a turning point - one of many - in China's long history: the Cultural Revolution. Its goal for the arts: that they…
-
Eager students soak up musical knowledge
October 10, 2013Violinist Elaine Klimasko is a founding member of the NAC Orchestra whose passion for teaching is clearly evident. From the moment she greets her students at Xinghai Conservatory in Guangzhou her curious and outgoing nature creates an immediate rapport. Students hang on her every word and…
-
The 2013-14 Ensemble Talk About Rehearsing Tartuffe.
October 10, 2013The 2013-14 Ensemble for English Theatre took time out to talk about the first week of rehearsing Tartuffe. Tartuffe plays in the NAC Theatre October 15 – November 2.
-
A musical surprise for St. Mary’s Canossian School
October 8, 2013Musicians from the NAC's Institute of Orchestral Studies surprised and delighted the students of St Mary's Canossian School when they began to play their school song. After some polite hesitation students received the nod from their principal and begain to sing while smiling brightly.
-
Report from Victoria Peak
October 8, 2013NAC Orchestra musicians reflect on their visit to Lok Sin Tong Primary School while enjoying the magnificent view from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong.
-
My First NAC showcases some of Canada’s most promising musicians
October 8, 2013Soprano, Jacqueline Woodley, admits she had to step out of her comfort zone during her performance at the My First NAC Showcase, last May. “As our encore, I was asked to sing a duet of Mack the Knife with the jazz combo. It was definitely more stressful than what we usually do but it ended…
-
Jillian Keiley and Andy Jones on Working Together
October 7, 2013NAC English Theatre Artistic Director and Tartuffe creator Andy Jones take a break from rehearsal to discuss their working relationship.
-
Tchaikovsky no. 5 — rich, powerful and unstoppable
October 7, 2013As we wait for the train that will take us to Ghuangzhou, I've been thinking: isn't it just amazing what a concert hall can become.. Last night, doors closed, stage packed with our two bands and the beautifully emerald green seats all filled with the local audience, I thought: we could be…
-
Getting cozy on stage with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta
October 6, 2013Kimball Sykes, Principal Clarinet discusses both the exciting and challenging aspects of performing Tchaikovsky Symphony no. 5 with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta after today's rehearsal.
-
Musical exchange at Lok Sin Tong Primary
October 5, 2013Today an NAC Orchestra wind quintet and the Rideau Brass Quintet travelled by bus to the New Territories to perform for students at Lok Sin Tong Leung Kau Kui Primary School. Our musicians were impressed with focus of the students who played chinese instruments such as guzhengs and erhus.…
-
Welcome the 2013-14 Ensemble
October 4, 2013The 2013-14 Ensemble for English Theatre have arrived! In this video, they speak about being at the National Arts Centre.
-
Like a herd of turtles
October 4, 2013My friend Toby uses the expression "Off like a herd of turtles" to announce the slow departure pace of her family when they set off for their daily activities. I kept thinking of this expression as I travelled along airport corridors, waited by luggage carousels and customs with our group…
-
Bon voyage to the NAC Orchestra!
October 2, 2013Tomorrow morning, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, led by Music Director Pinchas Zukerman, will begin a remarkable and historic tour of China, including concerts in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, as well as a range of inspiring educational and engagement events.
