Street closures around the NAC during National Remembrance Day Ceremony

NAC Orchestra musician Charles Hamann records 15 Canadian works for oboe and piano

Charles Hamann has wanted to make a solo recording for a very long time. As principal oboe for the National Arts Centre Orchestra Charles (or Chip as many in the music world know him) has worked with many of the country’s most respected composers and it was composer John Burge’s Sonata Breve No. 4 that was the spark that set that dream into motion.

“I just really started falling in love with this piece.” explains Chip. When he discovered the work had not yet been recorded ‘it was the beginning of an idea’ he says with a sparkle in his eye.

That idea blossomed into a double CD of Canadian compositions for oboe and piano with venerable pianist, colleague and collaborator Frédéric Lacroix. The recording covers a composition period from 1947 to 2017 and includes fifteen different works by thirteen different composers. “The diversity is probably as Canadian as the country itself. ” says Chip who is will be celebrating his 25th year as a member of the NAC Orchestra in the 2017-2018 season.

Discovering the music of Canada has long been an interest for Chip and he uncovered a wealth of high quality music at the Canadian Music Centre that, for various reasons, had been neglected.

“For me, it's just very, very satisfying, the thought that this beautiful music will now be promoted not only to Canadian oboists; both professional and students, but also around the world.”

Canadian Works for Oboe and Piano is available for purchase through the Canadian Music Centre


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