Canada Scene celebrates artists from across the country

It’s been done before – seven times to be exact – but Canada Scene, a culmination of the NAC’s biennial showcase of music, theatre, dance, visual and media arts, film, and culinary arts  will be something special.

“It’s like discovering your whole country right in your own backyard,” says Heather Moore, Producer and Executive Director for Canada Scene.  “What better way to know Canada than through our artists and their stories and their work.”

Canada Scene, featuring more than 1,000 artists, will take place over six weeks from June 15 to July 23 and will give Canadians much to celebrate in addition to Canada’s 150^th birthday.   “Many of our artists are telling interesting stories that are especially fitting to be presented in the Nation’s Capital at this historic time,” says Heather.  “There will be special works including a celebration of fiddlers from all over Canada, featuring Natalie MacMaster, and a performance by Buffy Sainte-Marie who is a real hero in this country.”

Other highlights include a unique tribute concert celebrating Oscar Peterson featuring seven renowned pianists and close friends of the famous jazz musician, and a new production of Harry Somers’ classic opera Louis Riel, a co-production with the Canadian Opera Company.

Heather promises there will be many opportunities to see unique shows at Canada Scene.  “If you want to learn about history, you can see Café Daughter, a play by Kenneth T. Williams based on the life of Senator Lillian Eva Quan Dyck.  For pure entertainment, there’s Montreal’s circus collective Les 7 doigts de la main.”

Canada Scene also has a lot to offer the artists.  “Every artist we’ve featured in the Scenes tells us what an incredible privilege it is to perform on the national stage,” says Heather.  “It’s also a great opportunity for emerging artists because we bring in people who program music, theatre and dance across Canada and around the world which can lead to tours and bookings.  It absolutely launches careers.”

Heather hopes every arts lover and supporter will get a chance to enjoy the festival.  “Canada Scene is a full celebration of our nation and artists.  Come out and be entertained and see the artists you know, or stretch out and learn something new about our country.”

For a full list of Canada Scene performances please visit our website at nac-cna.ca/en/canadascene.