February 14, 2005 -

Ottawa, Canada -- The National Arts Centre Orchestra and Jeunesses Musicales of Canada are again collaborating to present a four-part Sunday afternoon “Kinderconcerts” series designed to introduce 3- to 6-year-olds to the magic of music and rhythm in a variety of forms. Each one-hour programme is presented at 13:30 in English and at 15:00 in French in the intimate setting of the NAC Panorama Room. Bring cushions for the kids! Seating is on the floor.

Hansel and Gretel
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Based on the opera by Engelbert Humperdinck
François Racine, director
Louise-Andrée Baril, musical director
A magical adventure set in a land of gingerbread houses and greedy witches! This light-hearted version of Humperdinck’s 1893 opera inspired by the famed fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm features German folk melodies set against a rich musical background. Three singers accompanied by piano bring to life Hansel, Gretel and the wicked witch.

Giggle and Stomp
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Bruno Roy and Janic Gingras, percussion
This lively, humour-filled concert opens a window onto the fantastic world of rhythm, where the human body and ordinary objects are transformed into musical intruments to tell a story. Children will be introduced to exotic, colourful percussion instruments like the djembe, derbouka, bells and tambourines. You’ll never listen to everyday sounds the same way again!

Baroque ’n’ Roll
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Sophie Larivière, recorders
Matthias Maute, recorders and Baroque violin
Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière, actress and dancer
Two styles of music and two historical periods come together in this zany story of a young dancer preparing to audition for a musical. Nervously searching for the right room, she opens a strange door leading straight into the forgotten, far-off world of 18th-century music. This is a baroque-and-roll adventure, presented by two quirky flutists and an unpredictable dancer!

Brass Attack!
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Impact Brass Quintet, trumpets, horn, trombone, tuba
Full of humour, colour and rhythm, this fun-filled concert launches a treasure-trove of sonic fireworks to delight audiences young and old. Brass Attack! introduces the entire brass instrument family in repertoire ranging from Renaissance hunting calls to jazz classics.

Ticket prices:
Adults $10
Children $5
Family Pass (valid for any combination of four adults and children) $25

Tickets are on sale now 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.

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