NAC Foundation
Keeping the arts alive and thriving in Canada
The first time Carol Fahie saw Yo-Yo Ma perform was at an open rehearsal at the National Arts Centre. It was special for Carol all the more so because her bass-playing son, 20-year-old Rob, was sitting beside her.
“Rob was in awe and had a huge grin on his face,” Carol recalls. “There was Yo-Yo Ma, dressed in casual clothes, playing with the NAC Orchestra. Rob watched his every move. It’s a shared experience I’ll always remember.”
Carol has had many memorable moments at the NAC, both in the audience and as a performer on the stage in Southam Hall. A lover of music, Carol has had the thrill of singing with various choirs at many events at the NAC including the final concert directed by Pinchas Zukerman. She was also there when her son, Michael, who plays lead trombone, won an NAC Orchestra Bursary Award and performed at the Fourth Stage.
“Music is an integral part of my life. “In a very frantic world, I need to make music and hear music to keep me balanced and soothe my soul,” says Carol.
To show her gratitude for the music and the special moments Carol has enjoyed at the NAC, she’s proud to donate to the NAC Foundation through annual contributions and naming a seat in Southam Hall. “My support is a thank you for having the opportunity to hear wonderful music by world-renowned musicians and to perform beautiful choral works with such a great orchestra,” she says.
Carol also wants to help emerging young artists to develop their talents like her sons did. Today, Michael and Rob are professional musicians who have played at the NAC. “I understand that good training and role models are required for young musicians to grow and flourish,” says Carol. “They need every kind of support they can get and the training opportunities offered by the Young Artists Program and the NAC Orchestra Bursary are wonderful.”
As a NAC Foundation supporter, Carol appreciates the chance to attend open rehearsals and special events. But her first reason for supporting the NAC is her commitment to keep the performing arts in Canada thriving. “We must keep the arts alive,” she says. “Talented people need time, training and support to develop to their full potential. That’s what we help make possible when we give to the NAC Foundation.”
