June 03, 2005 -

Ottawa, Canada -- The closing concert of this season’s CJOH Pops Series is a very special tribute to two icons of the 20th century music world: Arthur Fiedler, who for half a century with his enormously successful Boston Pops did more than any other figure to popularize light classical music – and the legendary violinist Isaac Stern, who among his many other achievements, was known for the perfection he bought to the charming classical gems he performed as encores. The National Arts Centre Orchestra’s Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly was an admirer of Fiedler, and has lovingly crafted a programme in true Boston Pops style – and the soloist is none other than NAC Orchestra Music Director Pinchas Zukerman in his pops debut paying homage to his mentor Isaac Stern. These concerts, which are also in celebration of the Silver Anniversary of Pops concerts at the National Arts Centre, take place in Southam Hall from Thursday, June 9 to Saturday, June 11 at 20:00.

The highlight of the programme will be the world premiere performance by Pinchas Zukerman of “Fiddler Fantasy”, a medley of tunes from composer Jerry Bock’s landmark musical Fiddler on the Roof. Isaac Stern was the violinist on the soundtrack of the Norman Jewison film. The arrangement of melodies such as “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Tradition” is by renowned Hollywood arranger Edward Karam, originally from Ottawa! And for this very special occasion, Mr. Karam will attend the opening night.

Zukerman will also perform “Hoedown” from Aaron Copland’s Rodeo, Vaughan Williams Greensleeves, and his very favourite of Isaac Stern’s encores: “I Dream of Jeanie (With The Light Brown Hair)”.

Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, the host and conductor of this tribute to the Boston Pops, will conduct the National Arts Centre Orchestra in such works as Gershwin in Hollywood, selections from Bizet’s Carmen, the overture to Styne’s Peter Pan, an Irving Berlin Medley, the overture to Bernstein’s Candide, Coates’ Knightsbridge March and Carmichael’s Stardust.

The audience is invited to the Foyer after each concert to meet the musicians over refreshments.

Tickets for “A Tribute to the Boston Pops” from June 9 to 11 are on sale now at $34.50, $49.50, $51.50, $61.00, and $63.00, with box seats at $90.00 (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 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.

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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