May 18, 2005 -

Ottawa (Canada) -- “From Africa to the New World”: the final TD Bank Financial Group Young People’s Concerts of the season explore the African-American experience from slavery to freedom with stirring music that includes African drumming, gospel, and lively jazz performed by the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Principal Youth and Family Conductor Boris Brott is joined by the Hon. Lincoln Alexander, Canada’s first black MP and Lieutenant Governor, as special guest host for these bilingual concerts for children aged 7 and up and their grown-up friends on Saturday, May 28 at 13:30 and 15:30.

The concert ticket includes Pre-Concert Activities in the NAC Foyer organized by the NAC Orchestra Association 45 minutes prior to each concert, beginning at 12:45 for the first concert and 14:45 for the second. Activities include a percussion petting zoo, a drum-maker exhibit, and literature on our African-Canadian heritage with the Ottawa Public Library.

Musical selections include Leyden’s “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and the traditional “Goin’ Home” performed by the gospel choir Sound Storm Voices, Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag”, William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony, “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess performed by soprano Yanick-Muriel Noah, African drumming and dance with the Baobab Tree ensemble, and a grand finale of Oscar Peterson’s Hymn to Freedom. Guest host Lincoln Alexander’s narrative includes the story of how American slaves escaped to freedom in Canada through the Underground Railroad.

At this season’s concerts, YPC subscribers have had the opportunity to purchase their own recorders in the NAC Foyer for the low cost of $5 thanks to St. John’s Music, and to register for family recorder clinics at $2 per person presented in partnership with St. John’s Music and Yamaha Canada. Participants can bring their recorders and perform together with the NAC Orchestra for When the Saints Go Marching In.

All TD Bank Financial Group Young People’s Concerts feature NACOtron presented in collaboration with Rogers Television. Five television cameras positioned on stage and in the hall capture live video images of the musicians while they are performing, and these images are projected onto a giant screen above the stage allowing the audience to watch the action in close-up.

The Ottawa Citizen is the media partner of the TD Bank Financial Group Young People’s Concerts.

Tickets for this TD Bank Financial Group Young People’s Concert on Saturday, May 28 at 13:30 and 15:30, including Pre-Concert Activities, are $14.50 for children and $21.00 for adults (including GST and Facility Fee where applicable) and 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. Visit the National Arts Centre’s web site at www.nac-cna.ca. Groups of 20 and more save up to 20% on NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances.  To book call 947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@nac-cna.ca

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