June 01, 2005 -

Ottawa, Canada -- What better way could there possibly be to rekindle your Canadian pride than taking in some great performances at Canada’s National Arts Centre on Canada’s birthday?

That’s why we’re throwing a huge Canada Day party here at the NAC with music, dance and other Canada Day festivities--all free, and all fun.

On Friday, July 1at 10:00, the day begins with the 400-strong sea of children’s voices that is Unisong—a choir made up of Canadian children from across Canada—performing a concert in Southam Hall.

At 14:30 and at 19:30, Unisong returns to the stage to be joined by NAC Orchestra Principal Youth and Family Conductor Boris Brott and the NAC Orchestra. The bilingual, Canada Day- inspired programme will feature string players from the NAC Young Artists Programme--young musicians from Canada and abroad who receive advanced training on string instruments and in chamber music.

The Juno Award-winning The Mighty Popo will energize crowds on the NAC terrace stage with his unique blend of traditional African music, R & B and blues. Catch his sets at 13:00 and 14:30.  And don’t miss the Sacred Burundian Drummers and their celebratory procession of dance and percussion at 12:30 and 14:00.

The NAC doors will be open all day. Indoor and outdoor events promise to make our celebration a great rain-or-shine family outing. Everyone is welcome and no tickets are required.

Come to the NAC on Canada Day. We guarantee you’ll feel Canadian all over.

The National Arts Centre’s Canada Day celebration is presented by Rogers Wireless.

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For more information:
Mary Gordon, Communications Advisor
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000, ext. 524