December 19, 2006 -

Ottawa, Canada -- Canadian baritone John Fanning has agreed to step in on very short notice as a replacement for Gary Relyea, who is recovering from a cold, in the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s presentation of Messiah tonight and tomorrow (Wednesday, December 19 and Thursday, December 20 at 20:00 in Southam Hall). In addition to his stellar vocal career, Fanning has becoming something of a celebrity this season as a last-minute replacement, having stepped in to save the Canadian Opera Company’s high profile presentation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle this fall at the opening of Toronto’s new opera house, the Four Seasons Centre, receiving rave reviews in the process.

A glance at John Fanning's schedule is evidence of his pre-eminent position among today's baritones. A veteran of eight seasons at the Metropolitan Opera, recent roles there include John Plake in SLY, co-starring with Placido Domingo and Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro. Further Met highlights include Mr. Astly in The Gambler conducted by Gergiev, Faninal in Der Rosenkavalier and the Four Villains in Les Contes d’Hoffmann conducted by James Levine.

Mr. Fanning’s 2006-2007 season began auspiciously in September with the role of Wotan in the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Wagner’s Das Rheingold. The opening night marked the official inauguration of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and the beginning of the COC’s much anticipated Ring tetralogy. He was also heard as Gunther in Die Götterdämmerung and was much praised for the power and commitment of both portrayals. Of special note is the premiere in January 2007 of Estacio’s Frobisher with Fanning in the title role for Calgary Opera.

Highlights for 2005-2006 included his eighth season at the Met, the Marquis de la Force in Dialogues des Carmelites for Vancouver Opera, Gunther in Götterdämmerung for the Canadian Opera Company, and Germont in La Traviata for Opera Ontario.

Elijah, Messiah, the Five Mystical Songs of Vaughan Williams and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 are indicative of his concert repertoire with Canada's major symphonies. This is his National Arts Centre Orchestra debut.

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