National Arts Centre's annual gala featuring Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman raises record-breaking $575,000 for the NAC National Youth and Education Trust
October 06, 2003 -
Ottawa, Canada -- The National Arts Centre's seventh annual fund-raising Gala, featuring the magical combination of violinist Itzhak Perlman with violinist/conductor Pinchas Zukerman and the National Arts Centre Orchestra has once again set a new record netting an impressive $575,000. All proceeds from the sold-out October 4 Gala go to the National Arts Centre's National Youth and Education Trust, a primary resource for supporting the artistic development of young Canadian talent.
The concert began with the two legendary violinists -probably the most revered pair of string players in the world - performing the Bach Double Concerto. It ended appropriately with two young string stars of the future - violinists Jesus Reina and Luis Esnaola - participants in last summer's donor-supported NAC Young Artists Programme - bringing down the house with Sarasate's Navarra.
The NAC Young Artists Programme is just one of the NAC initiatives made possible with the support of the National Youth and Education Trust. The Trust, which is funded in part by the annual gala, represents a nationwide promise to inspire and encourage artistic ideas and to assist young people through professional training, educational resources, mentorship and superb performances for young audiences.
Kenneth Loeb, Chair of the 2003 Gala Committee, said: "What a spectacular evening. I'm sure none of us will ever forget the performances of these superb musicians. I want to thank our gala committee for an exceptional job, as well as our sponsors and all those who have supported the National Youth and Education Trust with their attendance at this memorable evening. Our thanks go also to Pinchas Zukerman and the musicians of the National Arts Centre Orchestra who donated their services for the occasion."
The National Arts Centre Gala was presented by TELUS, Founding Partner of the National Youth and Education Trust, in association with CGI Group and Sun Life Financial. Special thanks go to A & E Television Networks, Tri-Co Printing, Montcorr Packaging, Bruce Power, St. Laurent Volvo, Craig Broadcasting, Harmon Foundation, Capital Box of Ottawa Limited, ADGA Group, Cognos Inc., Beringer Blass Wine Estates, The Ottawa Citizen, LeDroit, the Lowe-Martin Group, B!ddle McGillvray Advertising, CH2M Hill and CD Warehouse.
