September 26, 2002 -

Halifax, Canada -- The National Arts Centre today unveiled details of two exciting events that will celebrate the tremendous artistic and cultural life of Atlantic Canada: the National Arts Centre Orchestra's Atlantic Tour - a tour of all four Atlantic provinces to take place November 12 to 20 - and the Atlantic Scene, a festival of the best of East Coast arts and culture to take place in the nation's capital from April 22 to May 4, 2003.

Following preview concerts in Ottawa on November 5 and 7, the National Arts Centre Orchestra's Atlantic Tour will head to concert halls and schools in St. John's, Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, and Charlottetown with a finale in Toronto on November 20. Next spring, the Atlantic Scene will bring more than 200 Atlantic Canadian artists to a dozen venues in the National Capital Region.

"The National Arts Centre belongs to all of Canada, so it is essential the Centre reach out to Canadians in every part of the country, " said Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre. "One of the many ways we achieve this goal is by taking the National Arts Centre Orchestra on tour regularly and by initiating special events such as the Atlantic Scene, a unique showcase for regional artists on the national stage. It is important that Canadians everywhere feel that the National Arts Centre is their' performing arts centre.

The National Arts Centre Orchestra's Atlantic Tour

The National Arts Centre Orchestra's Atlantic Tour is a wonderful opportunity to inspire artists and audiences young and old, and to mentor tomorrow's great Canadian musicians. The National Arts Centre Orchestra - led by Pinchas Zukerman, Music Director, world-renowned violinist and conductor - will perform in concert halls, as well as in schools with the region's most promising young classical artists and composers.

The Atlantic Scene

From April 22 to May 4, 2003, the Atlantic Scene will present more than 200 of Atlantic Canada's established and emerging artists in the National Capital Region. The stages of the National Arts Centre, the Museum of Civilization, the National Library and National Archives, the National Gallery, Yuk Yuk's, the Casino du Lac-Leamy, Barrymore's Music Hall and others will resound with Atlantic Canadian music, theatre, dance, comedy, children's entertainment, and film. A visual arts exhibit, literary readings and culinary delicacies from the East Coast will also be part of this great showcase.

Partners in the Atlantic Tour and the Atlantic Scene include the Government of Canada, the Department of Canadian Heritage, Universal Music, as well as corporate and individual donors. The media have also joined the Atlantic Scene - CBC-Radio-Canada are partners, while The National Post and The Ottawa Citizen have signed on as sponsors. Their involvement will provide tremendous visibility for Atlantic Canada and its talented artists across the country. Provincial partners for the Atlantic Scene include the Governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

> Background information on the Atlantic Tour

> Background information on the Atlantic Scene Festival

> Background information on Education Programming

> NAC Orchestra history

> Pinchas Zukerman biography

> Jean-Philippe Tremblay biography

> Gary Kulesha biography

For information, please contact:
Jayne Watson
Director of Communications
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000, ext 260

Carl Martin
Communications Advisor
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000, ext 560