“Apiksiktuaqn” includes musicians from the NAC Orchestra, Symphony Nova Scotia, and acclaimed Eskasoni artists Ursula Johnson, Richard Poulette

OTTAWA, March 7, 2019 — More than 200 students from across Cape Breton, conductor Alexander Shelley, a group of musicians from the NAC Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia, and the acclaimed Mi’kmaw artists Richard Poulette and Ursula Johnson, who are from Eskasoni, will gather on the Eskasoni First Nation on Monday March 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to make music and art in a day about forgiveness and healing.

The students will participate in workshops in the morning. In the afternoon, they will give a special performance that includes the song “Forgiveness” by the Eskasoni duo Morningstar, a song about being at Shubenacadie Residential School. They will also give a theatrical presentation based on a local Mi’kmaw story, and perform a new original song.

MEDIA DETAILS:

WHO:

Eskasoni Chief Leroy Denny
Elder Albert Marshall
NAC Orchestra Music Director Alexander Shelley
A group of musicians from the NAC Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia
East Coast Music Award-winning Eskasoni singer-songwriter Richard Poulette
Sobey Award-winning Eskasoni artist Ursula Johnson
Students from Allison Bernard Memorial High School, Eskasoni
More than 200 students from across Cape Breton

WHAT:

Morning workshops led by Alexander Shelley, Ursula Johnson, composer Ian Cusson, and musicians from the NAC Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia, followed by a special student performance in the afternoon.

WHERE:

Allison Bernard Memorial High School, 4673 Shore Rd., Eskasoni, Nova Scotia

WHEN:

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
 

MORNING

9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Arrival of students from across Cape Breton who will join students at Allison Bernard Memorial High School in Eskasoni.

Students will participate in visual arts and theatre workshops, based on a local Mi’kmaw story, led by Ursula Johnson

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Music students will participate in workshops led by musicians from the NAC Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia that will cover instrumental techniques, and pre-selected repertoire for the afternoon performance.

Music Director Alexander Shelley will lead a conducting and ensemble leadership workshop for teachers.

Composer Ian Cusson will lead a composition workshop for selected students.

10:45 – 11:15a.m.:

Massed band rehearsal of song “Forgiveness” with  Alexander Shelley, NAC Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia musicians

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Theatre students, led by Ursula Johnson, rehearse their presentation
 

AFTERNOON

1 – 2 p.m.:

Performance for local schools and the community at Allison Bernard Memorial High School. Performances will include:

“Forgiveness” (massed concert band from schools across Cape Breton, musicians of NAC Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia), conducted by Alexander Shelley;
Student theatre presentation based on a local Mi’kmaw story;
Music by Richard Poulette;
New song by group of Allison Bernard students and teacher Carter Chiasson;
Performance by musicians from the NAC Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia;
Remarks by Eskasoni Chief Leroy Denny and Elder Albert Marshall

 

2:30 – 6 p.m.:

Musicians from the NAC Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia take part in workshops led by Mi’kmaw artists, including beading technique, making a medicine pouch, and making a ji’gmaquan, a traditional Mi’kmaq musical instrument.  

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Annabelle Cloutier
Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000 ext. 260
Annabelle.Cloutier@nac-cna.ca

 

Geneviève Cimon
Director, Music Education and Community Engagement, National Arts Centre
cell: (613) 290-5801
Genevieve.Cimon@nac-cna.ca