Longtime National Arts Centre patron and donor Dr. Kanta Marwah talks about why she loves the NAC and her reasons for giving to the arts during a recent le café photo shoot for an article appearing in a recent edition of Prelude Magazine. The following is an excerpt of the article:
Q. How did you first become involved with the National Arts Centre?
A. When I first came to Ottawa, there was lots of publicity about the National Arts Centre, which had just opened. I came on New Year’s Eve with a friend who was visiting from New York. It turned out to be a very enjoyable evening in a fantastic setting. I’ve been involved ever since.
Q. Does your heart lie with music, theatre or dance?
A. Well, I’ve been a subscriber to English Theatre for over twenty years. I’ve sat in the same seat. But I also come to several concerts, which I pick and choose to add to my subscription. I love all the arts.
Q. Why did you decide to set up two endowments to benefit English Theatre and the Summer Music Institute?
A. Art has always been a part of my life. Music is so important — it offers me peace and tranquility, and of course I love the theatre. I hope my endowment will allow our in-house English Theatre ensemble to grow stronger and stronger. I think this season in particular has been a tremendous start.
Q. Do you have a favourite production?
A. There have been many good ones, but last season’s Sound of Music was exceptional. It was one of the most enjoyable plays I’ve ever seen at the theatre. It was perfect!