December 19, 2005 -

Ottawa, Canada -- World-renowned virtuoso jazz pianist and founder/maestro of the acclaimed Philly Pops, Peter Nero has a well-earned international reputation for brilliant musicianship, innovative programming and a warm, informal stage presence. Hailed as a “pianist with dazzling technical virtuosity and inspired improvisation” by the Virginian-Pilot, and as “the epitome of the Pops Conductor/Performer” by The Washington Post, Peter has won a loyal and enthusiastic audience in his over forty years of performing. He brings his unique musical style and inviting sense of humour to the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Hot Piano – Cool Tunes in Southam Hall from Thursday, January 5 to Saturday, January 7 at 20:00. The audience is invited to meet Peter Nero in the Foyer after each concert where his CDs will be on sale.

Peter Nero will conduct and play his own arrangements of such unforgettable hits as Cole Porter’s Night and Day, LeGrand’s Summer of ’42, Warren’s Lullaby of Broadway, and The Beatles’s Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da. Hailed as one of the premier interpreters of Gershwin, Peter starred in the Emmy Award-winning NBC Special, S'Wonderful, S'Marvelous, S'Gershwin. His first major national TV success came at age 17 when he was chosen to perform Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue on Paul Whiteman's TV Special. With the NAC Orchestra, he will perform Rhapsody in Blue as well as Gershwin’s Strike Up the Band. The second half of the concert will include an extended improvisation at the piano on themes from Bernstein’s West Side Story.

Peter Nero and the NAC Orchestra promise a hopping night of toe-tapping, feel-good music.

Peter Nero has built an impressive career as a conductor, arranger, composer and master pianist. He recorded his first album in 1961 and won a Grammy that year for “Best New Artist.”  Since then, he has received another Grammy Award, garnered 10 additional nominations, and recorded 67 albums.  He has extensive TV appearances to his credit, including eleven guest spots on The Ed Sullivan Show and numerous appearances on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. 

One of Peter's greatest achievements is being the founding Music Director of the world renowned Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. They recently signed a three-record deal with New York’s DRG Records, making them one of only a handful of orchestras in the country with a recording contract. Peter Nero and the Philly Pops is a resident company of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

Tickets for Piano – Cool Tunes with Peter Nero from January 5 to 7, 2006, are on sale now at $34.50, $51.00, $53.00, $63.00 and $65.00, with box seats at $92.00 (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.

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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