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A story that one learns over a lifetime: Mahabharata
November 6, 2023Your generous support of the NAC’s National Creation Fund recently helped a new production make waves across the pond. After having its world premiere at the Shaw Festival in March 2023, Mahabharata, written and adapted by Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes of Why Not Theatre, had its…
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Creating a House of Dreams Together: A Q&A with Juniper Locilento
November 6, 2023Our new CEO, Juniper Locilento, joined the NAC Foundation on August 21. With 20 years of experience in philanthropy and non-profit leadership — and a background in Opera — she brings a unique perspective to her role. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that inspired your…
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Creation: bringing new Canadian works to the stage
August 15, 2023Donor support of the National Creation Fund provide the time, space and resources for performing artists to bring new works to their full potential. I Forgive You was created in response to a violent homophobic attack that left choral director Scott Jones paralyzed from the waist down in…
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Professional pathways: Learning opportunities for artists and arts professionals
August 15, 2023This year, 46 talented young artists from around the world came together for the annual NAC Orchestra Mentorship Program – a unique, three-week professional development program for emerging orchestral musicians, conductors, and librarians. NACO musicians served as principal faculty,…
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Sector Recovery: cross-Canada partnerships, co-productions, and touring
August 15, 2023It was full speed ahead for Mani Soleymanlou's first NAC French Theatre season as Artistic Director. Un. Deux. Trois., an epic performance written and directed by Mani, opened at the NAC in September 2022 before going on tour to eight other Canadian cities—Sudbury, Toronto, Montréal,…
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Sarah Jennings: Sharing a lifelong passion for opera
June 15, 2023Sarah Jennings, political and cultural journalist and author of the book Art and Politics: The History of the National Arts Centre is a longtime friend and champion of the NAC. Her most recent gift to the NAC Foundation supports the NAC Orchestra’s in-concert performances of Mozart’s Don…
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Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer’s Journey to the NAC Stage
June 2, 2023Some things are worth waiting for. Over the past 18 months, NAC Indigenous Theatre Artistic Director Kevin Loring’s satirical play, Litte Red Warrior and His Lawyer, has challenged and entertained audiences from Victoria to Ottawa. A huge impact from its first performance, this play has…
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An Investment for Tomorrow
June 2, 2023On Thursday, May 11, the National Arts Centre Foundation celebrated a very special group of donors: those who have chosen to support the future of the performing arts by leaving a gift in their Will. Members of that special group—the Emeritus Circle—enjoyed an afternoon tea before watching…
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Bringing the Power of Reggae Music and More to Students Across the...
June 2, 2023It has been an eventful first season for Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the National Arts Centre’s Orchestra’s Principal Youth Conductor and Creative Partner, full of wonderful music making and important firsts. In February 2022, Daniel became the first Black titled conductor in the NAC…
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Donald Meakin — Grateful Memories
April 17, 2023Memory is a wonderful thing, and for Don Meakin the many performances he has enjoyed at the National Arts Centre over the years have enriched his bank of memories tremendously. And he is profoundly grateful. From a young age Don valued creative arts such as painting and writing poetry and,…
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Samantha Wrenshall Plavins – Giving with a Passion
April 17, 2023Samantha Plavins is unequivocal: “I love the NAC and am proud of all it does!” And those heart-felt feelings are based on first-hand experience. Sam was raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. After graduating from Lakehead University in 1998 with a HBMus. specializing in piano, she moved to…
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The Stories We Share
March 27, 2023I always knew that the NAC was special, a place where hearts and minds are transformed through the power of music, dance and theatre. But little did I know when I became head of NAC Communications in 2001 (and then CEO of the Foundation in 2009) what an amazing adventure I was embarking on,…
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The NAC is Alive with the Sound of Students
March 27, 2023You know when it’s student matinee day at the NAC. On those days, a quick trip to Equator coffee shop begs the question: “Do I weave my way through the hundreds of excited kids, or do I wait until later?” The caffeine enthusiasts among us will jump into the crowd and share the thrill, while…
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To The Moon and Back with Sarah Garton Stanley and the National...
March 27, 2023In July 2022, Sarah Garton Stanley (SGS) joined the NAC’s National Creation Fund as its new Artistic Producer. As an award-winning theatre maker, a change maker and a highly sought-after director and dramaturg, SGS seeks to forge connections between the performing arts and the questions of…
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Making the Arts Accessible
November 23, 2022“I have benefited greatly from the Under30 program at the NAC,” Nadia, a student in music performance at the University of Ottawa, shares. “Access to $15 tickets has allowed me to attend many more NACO concerts than I normally would. It is important to me to attend these live concerts…
