May 26, 2006 -

Ottawa, Canada -- “For sheer vocal beauty, no contemporary singer matches Ann Hampton Callaway,” declares The New York Times. And now this dazzling singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, and educator makes her National Arts Centre Orchestra debut with Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly in CTV Pops concerts from Thursday, June 8 to Saturday, June 10 at 20:00 in Southam Hall. “Swing Swing Swing”, a jazzy trip down memory lane to the Big Band era, also features jazz pianist Bill Mays and the four saxophones of the Baltimore-based Capitol Quartet.

Ann Hampton Callaway will wrap her smooth, smoky, supple voice around such favourites as “Let’s Fall in Love”, “Embraceable You”, “A Fine Romance”, “How High is the Moon”, “From this Moment On” from Kiss Me Kate, “Just in Time” from Bells are Ringing, and “Blues in the Night”. The Capitol Quartet will perform Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing” and a Forties Medley while Jack Everly will lead the National Arts Centre Orchestra in an Ellington Overture, “Swing Swing Swing” from 1941, “Begin the Beguine”, “Jazz Pizzicato”, and more.

Conductor Jack Everly is a huge fan of Ann Hampton Callaway, and he is not alone! Her diverse fan-base includes such notables as Barbra Streisand, Clive Davis, Carly Simon and Wynton Marsalis. Equally at home in jazz and pop as well as on stage, in the recording studio, on TV and in film, she is best known for her Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical Swing (which she co-created) and for writing and singing the theme to the internationally successful TV series, The Nanny. A devoted keeper-of-the-flame of the great American songbook, she brings fresh and original interpretations to these timeless classics.

Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder, Ann was fascinated by the challenge of drawing these threads together into her own original singing style. Her early days in New York caused a stir as she made a growing name for herself in watering holes and small cabarets throughout the city, eventually becoming known as "the singer who stills the room." She has sung with over 25 of North America’s top orchestras and big bands. Her performances in the Carnegie Hall tributes to Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Harold Arlen were memorable and show-stopping. She performed for President Clinton in Washington D.C. and was the invited guest performer for President Gorbachev's Youth Peace Summit in Moscow. Recently, she returned to Moscow for a sold-out engagement with Russian jazz star Igor Butman at Le Club. Ann and her sister, Broadway star Liz Callaway, have starred in two hit shows: Sibling Revelry and Relative Harmony.

Ann Hampton Callaway has composed over 250 songs for television, Broadway, off-Broadway and several of today’s leading interpreters of songs. Her music and lyrics have been performed and recorded by Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Patti Lupone, Michael Feinstein, Blossom Dearie, Peter Nero, Karrin Allyson, Donna McKechnie, Harvey Fierstein, Lillias White, Barbara Carroll, Amanda McBroom, Liz Callaway and Carole King herself. She has garnered an unsurpassed fourteen awards from The Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, two Backstage Bistro Awards, the 2005 Nightlife Award, and the Johnny Mercer Songwriter Award.

The Capitol Quartet is widely considered one of the most exciting ensembles performing today. The four virtuoso saxophonists have captured the imaginations of critics and audiences alike. Combining innovative repertoire with virtuosic playing and an energetic, engaging stage presence, the Quartet brings a unique brand of entertainment to the concert and recital stage.
Since its formation in 1991, the Capitol Quartet has performed regularly at major concert venues throughout the United States, earning wide acclaim for its musical versatility and innovative style.

The artistry of pianist Bill Mays is beyond category. With deep roots in jazz, gospel, pop and classical music, his eclectic, prolific career as pianist, composer and arranger spans four decades. Along with over one hundred recordings (including seventeen under his own name) Bill’s concert and studio credits include a Who’s Who of modern music – everyone from Benny Golson to Sarah Vaughan. Bill’s latest CD, Live at the Jazz Standard, joins Summer Sketches and Going Home both of which were critically acclaimed and included on many “Best Of” Jazz CD lists.

Tickets for “Swing Swing Swing” with the National Arts Centre Orchestra from June 8 to 10 are on sale now at $34.50, $51.00, $53.00, $63.00 and $65.00, with box seats at $92.00 (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.

Groups of 10 and more save 15% to 20% off the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances. To reserve your seats call 947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@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.

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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