April 24, 2006 -

Ottawa, Canada -- The final lecture/performance in the National Arts Centre Orchestra Association’s (NACOA) four-part “Behind the Music” series will feature NAC Orchestra principal bassoon Christopher Millard on Saturday, April 29 at 10:30 in the NAC’s Salon chatting about his stellar career, his unusual instrument and his interests, which include teaching, high-end woodwind repairs, and hosting the NAC Orchestra’s podcasts. He will also share some music with attendees.

Christopher Millard, one of Canada’s best known woodwind artists, joined the National Arts Centre Orchestra as principal bassoon at the beginning of the 2004-2005 season after being principal bassoon for the Vancouver Symphony and the CBC Radio Orchestra for 28 years. A regular guest artist and teacher at the Scotia, Orford and Ottawa Festivals, the Domaine Forget in Quebec and the Banff Centre, Christopher Millard has also appeared in concert and recordings with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Marlboro Festival, the World Orchestra for Peace, the Grand Teton Music Festival and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. His most recent recordings, both on CBC records, include a new Schubert Octet and the Hétu Bassoon Concerto, the latter of which won a 2004 Juno Award. In a recent review of his CD Duos, the peer journal The Double Reed called Mr. Millard “one of the great bassoonists of the 20th century.”

Christopher Millard has a second career as a musical instrument technician and manufacturer. In Vancouver, he was a partner with Backun Musical Services, a Vancouver company that specializes in high-end woodwind repairs and is currently developing its own line of clarinets.

Most recently Christopher has added “NACOcast host” to his list of accomplishments. He is the host of the NAC’s weekly series of podcasts that prepare listeners for upcoming NAC Orchestra concerts.

Tickets for the event are $10.00 for members of NACOA and $12.00 for non-members.

Event: Behind the Music with Christopher Millard (in English)
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2006
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Salon, National Arts Centre

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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