September 13, 2002 -

Ottawa, Canada -- The National Arts Centre Orchestra opens its 2002-2003 season with Music Director and superstar violinist Pinchas Zukerman performing one of the most exalted works of the violin repertoire, and one for which he is especially renowned: Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D minor. These Audi Signature Series concerts sponsored by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP take place on Thursday, September 19 and Friday, September 20 at 20:00 in the NAC's Southam Hall.

The season-opening programme also includes Canadian composer Gary Kulesha's Syllables of Unknown Meaning, which premiered in 2000. In recognition of the new millennium, Kulesha took his inspiration from a chant composed a thousand years earlier. Syllables of Unknown Meaning replaces Kulesha's previously announced work which was to premiere on this programme. Commissioned by the NAC as part of its New Music Programme, it will now premiere later in the season.

Beethoven's String Quartet in C-sharp minor, Op. 131, orchestrated for string orchestra, completes the programme. This complex piece, described by Mahler as "a revelation from another world, was considered by Beethoven to be his greatest quartet.

Composer Gary Kulesha will give pre-concert talks in English both evenings, discussing his composition as well as the two Beethoven works. These talks begin each night at 19:00 in the Fountain Room and are free.

Zukerman learned the monumental Beethoven Violin Concerto as a teenager from his mentor Isaac Stern, and has always been closely associated with it. The concerto was included in the repertoire of the NAC Orchestra's Tour 2000 to Europe where it was performed to enormous acclaim. It will also be featured on the Orchestra's upcoming tour of Atlantic Canada.

Here is some of the critical response to Pinchas Zukerman and the National Arts Centre Orchestra performing Beethoven's Violin Concerto on Tour 2000:

"Not only was his complete artistic and technical mastery utterly convincing, even in the high sections of the difficult D-major violin parts, but also his striking creative ability... The fact that the National Arts Centre Orchestra Ottawa under his direction is not only a cleanly crisp top ensemble but an equal partner as well was proven." - Kolnische Rundschau (Cologne, Germany)

"What is it that this violinist does that almost paralyzes concertgoers as they experience his playing? ... 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." - Westfallen-Blatt (Bielefeld, Germany)

"It is hard to find another adjective to qualify an artist who, again, played like very few others can in the world." - Corriere del Ticino (Locarno, Switzerland)

"What is it about this musician that whips the audience in the Oetkerhalle into a frenzy of enthusiasm as has not been experienced in this house for quite a while? What musical aura surrounds this artist who, like a great magician, conjures up Beethoven's Violin Concerto in his very own way?" - Neue Westfalische (Bielefeld, Germany)

"Zukerman ...brought to [Beethoven's violin concerto] a warmth and sense of grandeur that was gripping. The orchestra behind him, seemingly at times as spellbound as the audience, rose to the challenges he set them.... The players are not in awe of the maestro, they are in love with him." - Evening Mail (Birmingham, England)

Tickets for these Audi Signature Series concerts on September 19 and 20, are on sale now at $26.50, $43.50 and $54.50, with box seats at $68.00 (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. 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.

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