Beautiful music will be front and centre in the second TD Bank Group ‘Family Adventures with the National Arts Centre Orchestra’ concerts of the 2011-12 season. The Mozart Experience – with the National Arts Centre Orchestra conducted by Richard Lee -- takes place on Saturday January 14, 2012 in Southam Hall of the NAC at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Very limited seating is currently available.

After catching a mischievous street musician in the act of playing the orchestra’s grand piano, the Maestro guides her and her prankster companion away from mischief to a fascinating exploration of Mozart’s life. This concert features the Magic Circle Mime Company, whose imaginative, innovative – and highly acclaimed -- performances unite the concert orchestra with visual theatre. Also featured are actors Maggie Peterson and Douglas MacIntyre, baritone Benjamin Covey, and violinist Timmy Chooi.

View close-up action on the giant NACOtron screen, presented in collaboration with Rogers TV. ‘Family Adventures with the National Arts Centre Orchestra’ concerts offer dazzling performances, fun-filled audience participation, and entertaining storytelling. This unique 4-concert series -- ideal for ages 5 to 105 -- is a great way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon.

TUNETOWN: Pre-Concert Activities
Pre-concert activities organized by the Friends of the NAC Orchestra begin 45 minutes prior to each concert. They include:

• Interactive musical activities by Music for Young Children
• Ottawa Youth Orchestra string instrument “Petting Zoo”
• Craft station: Mozart Bookmarks
• A book display by the Ottawa Public Library
• Piano mini-recital, organized by the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association
• ·         Mimes from l’école secondaire publique De La Salle
• Recorder students from Steve Maclean Public School
• Display featuring “Moz-Art” (music-inspired art) created by students working with artist David W. Jones

This series is made possible in part by the National Arts Centre Foundation’s National Youth and Education Trust. Now celebrating its eleventh year, the Trust is supported by Founding Partner TELUS, Sun Life Financial, Michael Potter, supporters and patrons of the annual NAC Gala, and the donors of the NAC Foundation’s Corporate Club and Donors’ Circle.

Discover the new NACmusicbox TIMELINE: 200 orchestral works, 80 Canadian compositions, 1 interactive TIMELINE that provides a visual representation of our rare online archival collection and encourages the exploration of music connections. The NACmusicbox TIMELINE has been specifically designed to showcase the works of Canadian composers within the history of orchestral music and offers cross-curricular content with classroom-ready activities and lesson plans developed by teachers for teachers. Visit NACmusicbox.ca today.

Information:   
Gerald Morris
Communications Officer, NAC Music
613-947-7000, ext. 335
e-mail  gerald.morris@nac-cna.ca