The National Arts Centre (NAC) lowered its flag this evening to pay tribute to the extraordinary life, career and artistic achievement of Canadian singer-songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen.

Cohen last performed in 2009 at the National Arts Centre in a moving concert. In 1993, he received Canada’s highest lifetime achievement in the performing arts, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award.

“Leonard Cohen inspired Canadians and the world with his music and poetic sensibility for more than five decades,” said Peter Herrndorf, the NAC’s President and CEO. “Cohen’s distinctive voice and storytelling through music explored themes of love, loss, and hope. He was amongst the most influential songwriters in the world.”

Cohen’s artistry included extraordinary volumes of poetry, novels, and countless recordings. His works are meticulous and painstakingly produced. His most recent album, “You Want It Darker”, was produced with his son Adam Cohen earlier this year.

“Canadians and the world will miss Leonard Cohen,” said Herrndorf. “All of us at the National Arts Centre send our deepest condolences to everyone who worked with and loved Leonard Cohen.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Rosemary Thompson
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000 ext 260
rosemary.thompson@nac-cna.ca