October 24, 2007 -

Ottawa, Canada -- Lynn Harrell, one of the most illustrious cellists in the world today, returns to the National Arts Centre Orchestra to perform Samuel Barber's Cello Concerto, the most challenging and beautiful ever written for the instrument on Wednesday, October 31 and Thursday, November 1 at 20:00 in the NAC's Southam Hall. These concerts, conducted by audience favourite Eri Klas, also include Dvorák's glorious Symphony No. 9 "From the New World", as well as Primus Tempus , an NAC-commissioned piece by Canadian composer Denis Gougeon, that the NAC Orchestra performed during its historic tour of Israel and Europe in 2000.

These concerts include post-concert Talkbacks as part of this season's "Musically Speaking" series. The audience is invited to stay behind in Southam Hall after the concert for a discussion and question-and-answer with cellist Lynn Harrell, conductor Eri Klas, and (on Wednesday only) composer Denis Gougeon hosted by Paul Lefebvre, Associate Artistic Director of French Theatre.

While in Ottawa, Lynn Harrell will lead a cello masterclass on Thursday, November 1 from 9:30 to 11:30 at the University of Ottawa's Freiman Hall in the Perez Building at 610 Cumberland. Harrell will teach three students from the University of Ottawa, Mount Royal College in Calgary, and the NAC Institute of Orchestral Studies. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $10, or $5 for students.

Principal cello Amanda Forsyth, who calls Lynn Harrell her "cello god", describes the Barber Cello Concerto as "a very accessible piece", and says "audiences should not be worried about the 20th century aspect to Barber. This sounds like delicious movie music!  It is wonderful to hear a different cello concerto, which is so beautiful, and easy to listen to… Lynn Harrell's showmanship, his immaculate technique, his power and strength are all not to be missed!!"

Lynn Harrell himself says the Barber Concerto is "unquestionably the most difficult piece in the solo cellist's repertoire.  In the past, the Barber concerto has been neglected for a few generations due to the extreme difficulty in some of the passages; however, its warmth of expression and dramatic confrontations against the orchestra make it a perfect vehicle for remembering the nuclear calamity of 1945."

The challenges of the concerto will be in more than capable hands with Lynn Harrell. His presence is felt throughout the musical world. A consummate soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, conductor and teacher with two Grammy Awards to his name, his work throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia has placed him in the highest echelon of today's performing artists.

Tickets for these  Ovation Series concerts on Wednesday, October 31 and Thursday, November 1 at 20:00 are on sale now at $19.00, $29.00, $49.00, $59.00, $69.00 with box seats at $83.00 (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 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 613-947-7000 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