The annual NAC Gala has raised almost $14 million over the past 22 years to support the National Youth and Education Trust.

OTTAWA, October 3, 2018 — Tonight’s 2018 National Arts Centre Gala featuring the legendary Diana Ross –   widely  considered  the  most  successful  recording  artist  and  entertainer  of  all  time –  and the NAC Orchestra, under the leadership of its Music Director Alexander Shelley, has raised $781, 000 (net) for the National Youth and Education Trust (NYET) in support of the NAC’s arts and education programs across Canada.

The NAC Orchestra and Alexander Shelley kicked off the concert with a dazzling performance of Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, followed by a riveting performance of Zigeunerweisen for Violin and Orchestra, Op.20 (Gypsy  Airs) by violinist Blake Pouliot, an alumnus of one of the NAC’s youth education initiatives, the Young Artists Program.

Diana Ross and her band, accompanied by the NAC Orchestra led by Alexander Shelley, then took to the Southam Hall stage for what was surely for many attendees the concert of a lifetime: the music veered from soul-stirringly smooth to upbeat and danceable as Ms. Ross performed all-time hits Ain’t no Mountain High Enough, I’m Coming Out and He Lives in You.

This glamorous fundraising event benefits the National Youth and Education Trust by providing much-needed resources for the National Arts Centre’s youth and education programming all across the country. The Trust also supports masterclasses, online activities and youth programming for dance and theatre and donates tickets to children who might otherwise be unable to afford to attend performances at the NAC.

Proceeds from the Gala help the NAC to provide a wide range of artistic and educational programming that nurtures and develops the creativity of young people in the National Capital Region and across Canada.

SUPPORTERS

The NAC Gala is made possible by the tireless dedication of its organizing committee, led by Honorary Chair Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Chair Adrian Burns. We wish to thank Honorary Patrons Bonnie and John Buhler for their generous support, and other supporters such as Grant and Alice Burton, Emond Harnden, Shaw Communications, The Asper Foundation, The Azrieli Foundation, Rogers Communication, Québecor, A&E, and Mark Motors Group. Their investment through the Trust, as well as individual and corporate donors from all across the country, help the NAC nurture and develop the creativity of young people in all regions across Canada and support the educators and artists who challenge and encourage them.

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Allison Caverly

Communications, NAC Orchestra

(613) 947-7000, ext. 335
allison.caverly@nac-cna.ca