October 14, 2005 -

Ottawa, Canada -- National Arts Centre Orchestra Music Director and superstar violinist Pinchas Zukerman will perform the Beethoven Violin Concerto, one of the most exalted works of the violin repertoire, and one for which he is especially renowned, on Wednesday, October 19 and Thursday, October 20 at 20:00 in Southam Hall. These Mark Motors Audi Signature Series concerts offer National Arts Centre audiences a preview performance of some of the repertoire the Orchestra will soon take on its November Alberta and Saskatchewan Tour. In addition to the Beethoven concerto which Zukerman will lead from the violin, the concert will feature Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and Mozart’s Symphony No. 39.

Here is just some of the acclaim that Pinchas Zukerman and the National Arts Centre Orchestra have received when they have joined forces to present Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in Europe and North America:

Westfallen-Blatt, Germany
“In addition to technical brilliance, Zukerman possesses a richly nuanced bow-arm. He plays his instrument with sensitivity and a rich range of colour – coaxes an unbelievably wide range of dynamics and colours, even in the very highest positions.”

Neue Westfalische, Germany
“From the union of tranquility and fire, inspiration and intensity, sensibility and pride, artistic sovereignty and attractive presentation (the man’s got it all – of a thousand women in the hall, a thousand would have been at his feet!) springs a very special enchantment.”

Evening Mail, Birmingham, England
“Zukerman …brought to [Beethoven’s violin concerto] a warmth and sense of grandeur that were gripping.  The orchestra behind him, seemingly at times as spellbound as the audience, rose to the challenges he set them.”

Toronto Star, Canada
“His soloing was as sweet and subtle and spectacular as one would have wished … The lengthy concerto poses some extraordinary challenges in the high registers, but Zukerman’s playing was exceptional as he met them with consummate ease, from the grand opening of the first movement through the lovely lyrical Larghetto to the scurrying embellishments of the lively Rondo. His pitch was dead-on, his dexterity sensational.”

The NAC Orchestra Tour is supported by Alberta Presenting Sponsor EPCOR, Saskatchewan Presenting Sponsor CN, with additional Major Support for Alberta by CN. Bell is the Technology Sponsor in Alberta. The Tour’s Education Sponsors are ConocoPhillips in Alberta and SaskEnergy in Saskatchewan. True Energy Inc. is the Community Sponsor in Saskatchewan. Special funding for the Tour’s education programmes is provided by Education Donors CIBC and the National Arts Centre Friends – Alberta as well as sponsors and donors of the National Youth and Education Trust. The National Post is the tour’s National Media Partner.

Tickets for these Mark Motors Audi Signature Series concerts on October 19 and 20  are on sale now at $27.00, $47.50, $58.00 and $60.00, with box seats at $79.00 (GST and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111.  Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC’s web-site at www.nac-cna.ca. 

New for 05-06: Groups of 10 and more save 15% to 20% off the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances.  To reserve your seats call 947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@nac-cna.ca.  Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid student ID card. Subscriptions for the season are also still available by calling the Subscription Office at 613-947-7000, ext. 620.

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For more information please contact:
Jane Morris, Communications Officer,
National Arts Centre Orchestra
(613) 947-7000, ext. 335
jmorris@nac-cna.ca