December 12, 2006 -

Ottawa, Canada -- As British conductor David Lockington and American soprano Janice Chandler-Eteme prepare to make their debuts with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in this year’s presentation of Handel’s Messiah on Tuesday, December 19 and Wednesday, December 20at 20:00 in Southam Hall, concert-goers can also prepare for their annual experience with the masterpiece thanks to the next NACOcast offered by NAC Orchestra principal bassoon Christopher Millard.

Christopher Millard will offer a “Messiah Digest” – a quick tour of the text and design of Handel’s beloved oratorio using excerpts from archival recordings of the NAC Orchestra’s past performances. The programme will discuss the organizing approach by Handel and his librettist Charles Jennens, and how their careful construction takes the listener from the promise of Redemption to gratitude for eternal life. This is the second season of the NACOcasts, which are attracting international attention and acclaim. Hundreds of people already subscribe to the bi-weekly podcast series. Visitors to the NAC website can find it at www.nac-cna.ca/podcast/. The Messiah episode will be available as of Monday, December 18. The French podcast series, hosted by assistant principal double bass Marjolaine Laroche can be found at www.nac-cna.ca/balados.

Conductor David Lockington has for the past twenty-five years developed an impressive career in the United States. He is been Music Director of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra since 1999 and is the former Music Director of the New Mexico Symphony and the Long Island Philharmonic. Janice Chandler-Eteme, who first gained international prominence as a favourite of Robert Shaw, is among America’s foremost lyric sopranos. These two international newcomers are joined by three Canadians making welcome returns to the NAC Orchestra.

Mezzo-soprano Anita Krause, whose discography includes Vivaldi Sacred Music with the Aradia Ensemble, and Verdi and Rossini Rarities with the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra performed with NACO in the Black & White Opera Soiree in 2000. Montreal tenor Frédéric Antoun, who is swiftly becoming a much sought-after young performer in the opera world, made his NAC Orchestra debut to acclaim in last year’s Messiah. The many NAC appearances of Ottawa favourite Gary Relyea include Messiah in 2004, two Black & White Opera Soirées, and numerous appearances with the NAC Orchestra, and in Festival Ottawa and Opera Lyra Ottawa productions.

Laurence Ewashko has prepared a combined chorus of the Opera Lyra Ottawa Chorus and the Ewashko Singers, while Michael Zaugg has prepared the Cantata Singers of Ottawa.

This year’s annual performance of Messiah will take place on December 19 and 20 at 20:00. Tickets are on sale now $28.76, $48.57, $59.01, $68.38, $88.21 (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. 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