News Releases

  1. More than $21,000 awarded to young musicians at the 2023 NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition

    April 24, 2023

    Seventeen-year-old Franco-Ontarian violinist Justin Saulnier wins the Grand Prize April 24, 2023 – OTTAWA – On Sunday, April 23, a talented group of music students aged 16 to 26, with ties to the National Capital Region, competed for a chance to win prizes worth more than $21,000 in the 40th annual National Arts Centre Orchestra Bursary Competition. This year’s... Read more

  2. National Arts Centre Mourns the Loss of Jocelyn Morlock

    March 28, 2023

    Canada’s National Arts Centre is mourning the loss of Jocelyn Morlock, a remarkably gifted Canadian composer and a bright light for contemporary music in Canada. Her work was celebrated by many, including the National Arts Centre Orchestra, who commissioned her JUNO Award-winning work My Name is Amanda Todd as part of the landmark multimedia commission Life Reflected. My Name is Amanda... Read more

  3. A SUCCESSFUL COMEBACK FOR THE ANNUAL NAC GALA: $1 MILLION RAISED FOR THE NEW ADRIAN BURNS FUND

    November 5, 2022

    A SUCCESSFUL COMEBACK FOR THE ANNUAL NAC GALA: $1 MILLION RAISED FOR THE NEW ADRIAN BURNS FUND The NAC’s first fundraising evening in three years highlighted the importance of women leaders in the arts, and these donations will support their creativity. November 5, 2022 – OTTAWA (Canada) — Tonight, at the 2022 edition of its annual Gala, featuring Canadian... Read more

  4. MORE PROGRAMMING DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE’S 2022-2023 SEASON

    October 4, 2022

    NEWS RELEASE    MORE PROGRAMMING DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE’S 2022-2023 SEASON   Extraordinary and diverse offerings in theatre, music and dance is now available for all audiences to enjoy    OCTOBER 4, 2022 – OTTAWA, CANADA – The National Arts Centre today announced additional programming in music, theatre and dance for the... Read more

  5. NAC Orchestra Music Director Alexander Shelley Contract Extended to 2025-2026 Season

    September 8, 2022

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) is pleased to announce a three-year contract extension for Alexander Shelley as Music Director of the NAC Orchestra, from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2026. Since taking on the role of Music Director in 2015, Alexander Shelley has led the NAC Orchestra through transformational initiatives and major tours, highlighting the ensemble’s national role and... Read more

  6. NAC Flags Fly at Half-mast in Honour of Renowned Conductor and Composer Bramwell Tovey

    July 13, 2022

    It was with great sadness the National Arts Centre (NAC) learned of the death of Bramwell Tovey, a towering figure in Canada’s classical music world and an influential arts leader worldwide. Maestro Tovey was a conductor and prolific composer with a body of work spanning more than 40 years.  The charismatic Tovey was known for his easy connections with audiences and musicians alike. He... Read more

  7. THE NAC ORCHESTRA PRESENTS SPHERE: LISTENING TO THE EARTH, COMING THIS FALL

    July 12, 2022

    July 12, 2022 – OTTAWA – From September 22-25, the NAC Orchestra presents SPHERE: Listening to the Earth. Co-curated by NACO Music Director Alexander Shelley and Canadian-Icelandic interdisciplinary artist Dr. Angela Rawlings, this festival focuses on a positive way forward on an ever-changing planet.    In SPHERE’s concerts, NACO will bring Earth and the climate... Read more

  8. THE NAC WILL KICK OFF SUMMER WITH A BIG BANG: A CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL TO DELIGHT YOUNG AND OLD

    May 24, 2022

    News Release Summer edition to be presented over the Canada Day long weekend Ottawa, May 24, 2022 – On July 2 and 3, the sound of children’s laughter will echo through the National Arts Centre (NAC) during the BIG BANG Festival, an all-music event dedicated to youth. Forced to go digital last February, the popular sound adventure is back for 2022 (take 2) in a live... Read more

  9. THE STAGE IS SET FOR THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE’S 2022-2023 SEASON

    May 17, 2022

    News Release THE STAGE IS SET FOR THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE’S 2022-2023 SEASON    Experience the excitement as music, dance and theatre fill all four stages MAY 17, 2022 – OTTAWA, CANADA – As audiences return to the National Arts Centre’s performance halls, and with the ever-growing buzz around live performances, the NAC’s programming departments are... Read more

  10. NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE ORCHESTRA 2022-2023 SEASON PRESENTS MORE THAN 100 CONCERTS

    May 17, 2022

    The NAC Orchestra (NACO) and Music Director Alexander Shelley welcome you back to Southam Hall for our 2022-2023 season   Ottawa, May 17, 2022 – Experience the transformative energy of orchestral music, with over 100 concerts to choose from across the season, with programs that celebrate, empower, and inspire. “The history of music is full of collaborations between artists who... Read more