April 13, 2005 -

NAC Donates NAC Orchestra CDs to Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Centre’s Chemotherapy

OTTAWA -- Patients at the Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Centre (ORCC) will now be able to listen to the music of the NAC Orchestra while receiving chemotherapy, thanks to the donation of National Arts Centre Orchestra CDs by the National Arts Centre.

“We are grateful to the NAC for donating its CDs to our Centre and know that this gift of music will make a difference to a great many patients,” said Dr. Hartley Stern, Vice-President of Cancer Services at The Ottawa Hospital.

Chemotherapy is often a long process, with some patients needing to receive treatment for as long as six hours at a time. Patients aren’t always able to bring in family members or friends to keep them company. It’s also a time where patients may be reflecting on their illness and the effects of treatment.

According to the OHRCC, over 4,500 people in Ottawa receive chemotherapy every year, and about 90 to 120 people every day. 

NAC Orchestra Maestro Pinchas Zukerman said he hopes the CDs will help make treatment for patients at the ORCC a little bit easier.

“Music is a wonderful friend in troubled times,” Zukerman said.  “I know that members of the orchestra are honoured that their music is part of the healing process at the ORCC.”

The centre is also grateful to chemotherapy recipient Phyllis Leith, who has so far raised over $2,000 that will go toward buying CD players for the cancer centre.

The NAC is working with the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre Foundation on another event this week. On April 16, the NAC will host a joint benefit concert called “An Evening of Jazz” that will feature singer Holly Cole. The concert will be presented by Ernst &Young and its proceeds will be divided between the NAC Foundation and the ORCC Foundation.

For additional information, please contact:
Mary Gordon
National Arts Centre
613-947-7000 x 524