April 30, 2004 -

Ottawa, Canada -- Music Director Pinchas Zukerman will lead the National Arts Centre Orchestra in an all-classical programme featuring Mozart’s Oboe Concerto sandwiched between early and late Haydn symphonies on Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13 at 20:00 in the NAC’s Southam Hall. These Audi Signature Series concerts feature NAC Orchestra principal oboe Charles (Chip) Hamann [pronounced HAY-man] in Mozart’s exquisite Oboe Concerto in C major, the only concerto that Mozart wrote for this instrument. The concert opens with Haydn’s Symphony No. 6 “Le Matin” and closes with his Symphony No. 104 “London”.

Haydn’s Sixth Symphony was his first written for Prince Paul Anton Eszterházy, his new employer at the Palace in Eisenstadt. One of its many distinguishing features is the opportunity given to many principals within the orchestra to shine in virtuoso solo parts. The NAC Orchestra made a highly acclaimed recording of the symphony in 1989.

Abounding in masterful touches, Haydn’s “London” Symphony is the last that the “Father of the Symphony” wrote in this genre. One of the world’s leading Haydn scholars, H. C. Robbins Landon says: it “seems to sum up, in one vast canvas, Haydn’s symphonic style.”

Mozart later transcribed his only oboe concerto for flute, and the original score disappeared until the early 20^th century when it was rediscovered, reconstructed and eventually published in 1948. It will be performed by the NAC Orchestra’s superb principal oboe Charles Hamann. In addition to an active role as teacher, adjudicator, and chamber musician, both in Ottawa and across North America, Hamann has performed as soloist with the Lincoln Symphony, Ottawa's Thirteen Strings (including a CD recording), and Les Violons du Roy of Quebec City. Of his numerous engagements as soloist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, notable performances have included the Marcello Concerto under the baton of Roger Hamilton in 1994, the Vaughan-Williams Concerto with Joseph Silverstein in 1996 (also recorded by CBC for national broadcast) and J.S. Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin with Pinchas Zukerman in 1998, 2001, and 2002 including a performance on tour in Atlantic Canada.

Tickets for these Audi Signature Series concerts on May 12 and 13 are on sale now at $27.00, $45.00, $56.00 and $58.00, with box seats at $73.00 (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. Groups of 20 or more save up to 20% off of regular priced tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances. For information and reservations call 613-947-7000 ext: 384 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca

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