October 02, 2007 -

Ottawa, Canada -- The National Arts Centre's 2007 Gala has raised an impressive $765,000 for the National Arts Centre Foundation's National Youth and Education Trust. A standing room only crowd enthusiastically cheered the first allCanadian lineup in the Gala's elevenyear history. Superstar dramatic tenor Ben Heppner together with the sensational rising star soprano Erin Wall sang operatic solos and duets, while the celebrated singersongwriter Jann Arden added her own awardwinning vocals. NAC Music Director Pinchas Zukerman led the National Arts Centre Orchestra in this "A Celebration of Song". The National Youth and Education Trust provides funds to support the wide array of artistic and educational programming the NAC undertakes for young Canadians.

TELUS was once again the Presenting Sponsor of the annual Gala, reflecting its continuing support of the National Youth and Education Trust, as its founding partner. The Trust is also supported by Sun Life Financial, Bruce Power, A & E Television Networks, RBC Financial Group, University of Ottawa, patrons of the Gala and the National Arts Centre Foundation Donors' Circle.

After a luxurious wine and canapé reception in the lavishly decorated NAC Foyer for everyone in attendance, the concert thrilled the crowd. Under the headline "Interesting program made event stand out," the Ottawa Citizen reviewer wrote: "Not only were the guest artists, tenor Ben Heppner, soprano Erin Wall and singersongwriter Jann Arden, outstanding, the program was unusually interesting and balanced." Following the concert and a postconcert reception in the Foyer, 650 Gala guests dined on Southam Hall stage, which had been magically converted into a spectacular banquet hall which, like the outer Foyer, resembled an enchanted forest complete with fairies and butterflies.

Mrs. Laureen Harper, wife of the Prime Minister and the Gala's Honorary Chair, who played an active role in the design and execution of the décor, was in attendance. The glittering crowd of over 2,100 also included ambassadors, cabinet ministers, senators and members of Canada's corporate elite.

The Gala Committee was chaired for the second year by Janet Yale, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs of TELUS, the Presenting Sponsor of the Gala, and Founding Partner of the National Youth and Education Trust.

Janet Yale said: "When you have the privilege of being part of performances as magnificent as these, it is wonderful to also know that, at the end of the night, the proceeds go towards developing our next generation of artists and audiences. Thanks to all the people who supported the Gala, the NAC will be able to continue its investment in the artistic future of Canada."

NAC Foundation CEO Darrell Gregersen enthusiastically added: "I am so grateful for all the effort that has gone into making tonight such a success. I congratulate Janet Yale and the Gala Committee for all their hard work, and also thank Pinchas Zukerman and the musicians of the NAC Orchestra who donated their services for the Gala and performed so wonderfully."

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For more information please contact:
Jane Morris, Communications Officer,
National Arts Centre Orchestra
(613) 9477000, ext. 335
jmorris@nac-cna.ca