February 22, 2007 -

SPECIAL PRE-CONCERT TALK WITH ZUKERMAN AND JIM VINCENT OF HSDC ADDED ON FEB. 28 HOSTED BY ERIC FRIESEN

Ottawa (Canada) -- The vivacious rhythms of Mozart are combined with vibrant movement when Pinchas Zukerman leads the National Arts Centre Orchestra in an all-Mozart programme featuring the renowned and virtuosic Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) on Wednesday, February 28 and Thursday, March 1 at 20:00 in the NAC’s Southam Hall. The programme, which was originally conceived for Pinchas Zukerman and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with the Chicago-based HSDC, beautifully integrates music and dance.

A special Pre-Concert Talk has been added on opening night in which Pinchas Zukerman and Jim Vincent, Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, explain the concept in a discussion hosted by CBC Radio Two’s Eric Friesen. The talk will take place on February 28 at 19:00 in Southam Hall. Those interested should come early and sit close to the front of the hall.

Mozart composed many works intended for social dancing, however this is not what was chosen for the programme to be performed. The first half features exquisite slow movements from three concertos. The first two are for piano – Concertos Nos 21 and 23 (the former immediately recognizable as the theme for the classic film Elvira Madigan) – and are performed by the young Israeli pianist Shai Wosner. The choreography that is set to this music is Petite Mort for six dancers created by Jiri Kylian, one of the leading choreographers in the world, who originally created it for his own company the Nederlands Dans Theater. The first half closes with the Adagio from the Clarinet Concerto in A major performed by principal clarinet Kimball Sykes. It is the setting for a pas de deux entitled Duet for Concerto 622 by choreographer Lar Lubovitch. In between these choreographic creations, Pinchas Zukerman steps into the spotlight to perform the Rondo from the Haffner Serenade, a sparkling movement in perpetual motion.The second half opens with one of the most exquisite and deeply emotional works ever written by Mozart – his Sonata in E minor, K. 344 for violin and piano performed by Zukerman and Wosner. It leads into the final choreography of the evening – Strokes by the Tail for six dancers by choreographer Marguerite Donlon which used Mozart’s complete Symphony No. 40.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) was founded in 1977 by dancer and choreographer Lou Conte, who served as Artistic Director until his retirement from HSDC in 2000. Originally the company’s sole choreographer, he later developed relationships with emerging and world-renowned choreographers as the company began to grow. Today, under the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Jim Vincent, HSDC is among the most original forces in contemporary dance. Critically acclaimed for its exuberant, athletic and innovative repertoire, HSDC presents performances that inspire, challenge and engage audiences worldwide. HSDC performs in downtown Chicago and its metropolitan area and tours nationally and internationally throughout the year. The company has appeared in 44 states and 19 countries. In January 2004, HSDC first joined forces with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Pinchas Zukerman to perform counter/part which subsequently came to the NAC in 2005. This second dance-music collaboration was originally performed in Chicago in December 2005.

Tickets for these Ovation Series concerts on Wednesday, February 28 and Thursday, March 1 at 20:00 are on sale now at $18.82, $38.64, $58.45, 68.36 with box seats at $82.22 (6% 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 website 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. Same-day Live Rush tickets (subject to availability) for full-time students (aged 13 to 29) are $10 at the NAC Box Office between 14:00 and 18:00 on the day of performance only, upon presentation of a valid Live Rush card.

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.

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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