November 26, 2004 -

Ottawa, Ontario -- World-renowned virtuoso jazz pianist and founder/maestro of the acclaimed Philly POPS, Peter Nero has a well-earned international reputation for his brilliant musicianship, his innovative programming and his warm, informal stage presence.  Recently hailed as a “pianist with dazzling technical virtuosity and inspired improvisation” by the Virginian-Pilot, and as “the epitome of the Pops Conductor /Performer” by The Washington Post, Peter has won a loyal and enthusiastic audience in his over forty years of performing, and he’s bringing his unique musical style and inviting sense of humour to the NAC stage December 9,10,11.

The unforgettable sounds of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey – these are the sounds that defined a generation and got the world dancing, and these are the sounds that Peter Nero brings to the NAC, expanded for full symphony orchestra and featuring solo performances by members of the NAC Orchestra.  Peter Nero at the NAC promises to be a hopping night of toe-tapping, feel-good music, sure to put you “In the Mood.”

A two-time Grammy-winning pianist, Peter Nero has performed throughout the world, in some of the most prestigious concert halls including Kennedy Centre, Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall in London and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.    One of his greatest achievements is as founder of the world renowned Philly Pops, one of the largest independent pops orchestras in the country.  The Pops, which will celebrate their 25^th anniversary in the fall, recently marked their first season as a resident company at the new Kimmel Centre for the Performing Arts.

Born in Brooklyn, Nero started his formal music training at the tender age of 7.  By the time he was 14, he was attending New York City’s prestigious High School of Music and Art, and won a scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music.  Constance Keene, in a recent issue of Keyboard Classics, wrote that “Vladimir Horowitz was Peter’s greatest fan!”

Nero recorded his first album in 1961 and won a Grammy that year for “Best New Artist.”  Since then, he has received another Grammy Award, garnered 10 additional nominations, and recorded 67 albums.  He has extensive tv apprearances to his credit, including eleven guest spots on The Ed Sullivan Show and numerous appearances on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show.

In addition to a strong commitment to many important causes including funding of school music programs, Nero has been a devotee and advocate of consumer electronics!  While computers and electronics have made him “the Gadget King,” he still makes music on the traditional Steinway concert grand piano.

Tickets for Peter Nero’s “In the Mood” on December 9, 10 and 11, 2004, are on sale now at $34.50, $49.50, $51.50, $61.00 and $63.00, with box seats at $90.00 (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 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.  Groups of 20 and more save up to 20% on NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances.  To book, call 947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@nac-cna.ca.

Subscriptions for the season are also still available by calling the subscription office at 613-947-7000, ext. 620.

For more information, please contact:
Laura Denker,
Publicity and Media Relations Coordinator
(613) 947-7000 ext. 389;
ldenker@nac-cna.ca