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Making a BIG BANG at the NAC
February 7, 2019The BIG BANG is one of the most successful children’s festivals in Europe. Presented in many European cities, BIG BANG explores the fascinating world of music, sound and the arts through a variety of activities and performances. And on February 17–18, it will be presented for the first time…
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Saying “I do” at the NAC
February 7, 2019Couples are increasingly choosing the NAC as the place to get married: more than 30 ceremonies have occurred since late 2017. The new NAC spaces, with their stunning views of national landmarks, are some of the most romantic venues in Ottawa. What’s not to love! For more information about…
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Q&A: Lori Marchand, Managing Director, Indigenous Theatre
February 7, 2019Q. You became the first-ever Managing Director of the NAC Indigenous Theatre in April 2018. What has been your focus so far? A. I’ve been working closely with Artistic Director Kevin Loring and our growing Indigenous Theatre artistic team to choose the works to be presented as part of our…
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Ushering in a fresh, new look
November 13, 2018New public spaces, new orchestra shell, new NAC logo, new CEO. No question there’s been a lot of renewal going on at the NAC over the last few years. Now another familiar NAC element has a fresh, new look: the usher uniform. There had been five NAC uniforms between 1969 and 2018, the…
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National Creation Fund: An Even Better Hockey Sweater
November 13, 2018In the fall of 2017, the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts in Montreal premiered The Hockey Sweater, a musical based on the iconic story by Roch Carrier. Featuring a cast of 17, the show was a hit with audiences and critics. But the creators believed it could be even better. “If the show…
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’Tis the Season for NAC Parties
November 13, 2018The holidays are upon us. Conveniently, for those looking for a festive party venue, all of the NAC’s spaces are open, including the elegant O’Born Room with its stunning (wintry) views of downtown Ottawa. And after Santa has come and gone, there’ll be New Year’s Eve. Last year, more than…
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Q&A: Ian Cusson, Métis composer
November 13, 2018Q. In 2017 you were selected for Carrefour, a two-year residency program by the NAC and Canada Council for the Arts to mentor diverse, emerging composers. At 37, would you say you’re a late bloomer? A. Great question! Although I’ve been writing music for a long time, I came to the…
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Sweet New Sound of Southam Hall
September 13, 2018Southam Hall has a fresh new look, and a superb new sound. The NAC’s new orchestra shell, which took more than 18 months to design and build, arrived in 15 semi-trailers from two separate facilities 1,000 miles apart and was installed over the summer. While Southam Hall is the NAC’s…
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Meet the NAC’s New President and CEO
September 13, 2018Christopher Deacon is the National Arts Centre’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. On June 12, he took over from Peter Herrndorf, who retired after almost 19 years. Mr. Deacon, 59, was born in Montreal, Quebec. he has more than 35 years of professional experience managing…
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le café redux
September 13, 2018The NAC’s venerable le café restaurant has been completely renovated, just in time for the 2018–2019 season. Food and Beverage General Manager Nelson Borges (left) and Executive Chef Kenton Leier spent the summer overseeing construction that has transformed the restaurant into a…
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Q&A: Colin Traquair, Trombone, NAC Orchestra
September 13, 2018Q. You’re one of the NAC Orchestra’s most passionate coffee lovers. What’s your drink? A. Equator makes a piccolo, which is a small, very intense latte. You don’t ever want me to play a piccolo, however. Q. Were you happy when Equator Coffee Roasters opened its NAC location? A. Are you…
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New and improved Hexagon Studio makes connections possible across Canada and all...
April 26, 2018The next time you’re at the NAC, take a few minutes to peek inside the window of the Hexagon Studio off of the Southam Hall lobby. “Studio activity is seasonal, but it’s safe to say there is usually one, if not two, very cool things happening in or around the studio every day,” says…
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NAC Art Collection Returns
April 4, 2018When the National Arts Centre first opened in 1969, it was celebrated as an innovative multi-disciplinary performing arts centre. But it was also lauded for its impressive art collection. “The NAC was one of the first public buildings with a budget devoted to the visual arts,” said Robert…
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Peter Herrndorf’s Legacy
April 4, 2018When Peter Herrndorf arrived in 1999, he established a new strategic direction for the National Arts Centre with four clear goals – artistic excellence, re-embracing the NAC’s national role, making youth and education a priority, and dramatically increasing the NAC’s earned revenues. The…
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The Evolution of the Brunch
April 4, 2018In a classic TV episode of The Simpsons, Marge's friend invites her to brunch. “What is that?” she asks. He responds: “It’s not quite breakfast, not quite lunch, but you get a slice of cantaloupe at the end.” Brunch is not what it used to be. Discerning brunchers are increasingly avoiding…