Rooftop patio live music performances under the stars; sing-alongs to beloved Broadway musicals, NAC orchestra members performing on a boat cruise on the Rideau Canal—these are just a few of the exciting concerts and events that are part of the summer lineup at the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa.
The NAC recently introduced their third summer programming season called ‘Together Under the Sun’ featuring both indoor and outdoor performances. The summer programming season runs from July 2nd to August 30th with events happening every day of the week. Enjoy over 70 shows and events including interactive exhibits, music, dance, and theatre performances, as well as children’s summer camps and more.
“Bring your family, friends, and your summer visitors to experience a wide variety of family- friendly programming in dance, theatre, and music,” says Heather Gibson, Executive Producer of NAC Popular Music and Variety. “You’ll discover Canadian artists, many who have never performed at the NAC before, and artists from around the world, many who are performing in Canada for the first time. We also have an exciting new immersive adventure created right here at the NAC, beginning in July called MYÜZ – be sure to watch for more details.”
The summer program features free and accessibly priced programs. These events take place in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues including the rooftop Wooden Terrace along the picturesque Rideau Canal.
“We use places throughout the building and try and make the most of the summer and our diverse spaces,” states Gibson. “The timing is also thought out to hopefully provide more opportunity to more people to attend shows, and often these shows are for low or no ticket prices. Summer also sees a multi-generational audience with grandparents bringing their grandchildren for instance. Sometimes the best time isn’t in the evening for everyone.”
Sing-along to Broadway Musicals, Diverse Musical Performances
Have great fun as you join the sing-alongs to beloved Broadway musicals. Or immerse yourself in the intimate settings of the Babs Asper Theatre, Azrieli Studio, or the Fourth Stage, where you can connect with a diverse array of Canadian, Indigenous, Latin, and international artists. Feel the rhythm of Argentina with Social Tango Project, get to know the Gilsons, an MPB musical trio, experience São Paulo’s intense indie music scene with Passarim, a tribute project to the godfather of bossa nova Tom Jobim, or the soulful fusion style of French Cameroonian singer Valérie Ekoume.
Says Gibson: “I’m excited about Pahua from Mexico. Pahua is a member of our Global Women’s Producers Program and is an amazing artist. She’s an exciting addition to our season.”
World Premiere
Take a seat in Southam Hall as the NAC Orchestra presents the world premiere of Canadian Métis composer Ian Cusson’s latest work, 1Q84: Sinfonietta Metamoderna.
River Cruises on the Rideau Canal with Members of the NAC Orchestra
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. enjoy separate performances by Miguel de Armas and members of the NAC Orchestra aboard a boat cruising down the Rideau Canal. The boat will make a stop at Lansdowne Park.
Lunch Hour Performances
Weather permitting, the NAC will also offer lunch hour performances. Take your lunch to the Atrium and enjoy live musical performances starting July 2nd, at noon. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can hear performances from Ottawa Chamberfest artists, including two shows from their “bring the kids” series, our very own NACO musicians, and Diyet, among other artists who will also be performing on NAC’s Wood Terrace.
The ’Feeling of Free’ series runs from June 27 to July 27.
Wood Terrace Live Music with a View
Every Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7:30 pm, audiences can enjoy a variety of live music from across Canada, including Quique Escamilla, Okavango African Orchestra, Moneka Arabic Jazz, Turkwaz, Beauxmont, Les Fireflies and more! These performances are also free.
NAC’s Affordable $8 Play Series
“These are plays of solo or small group ensembles that are one act plays,” explains Gibson. “This is a different type of presentation for the NAC—we usually have more traditional, multi-act, larger ensemble plays in our theatre seasons in the larger stages. The $8 plays in the Fourth Stage adds a different element and vibe to the experience.”
There are three plays in the $8 play series and each play runs for one week.
MixTape (Crow’s Theatre) – From Neil Diamond to Kate Bush, from show tunes to Mozart, and from squeaky oven doors to the thwap of a heartbeat, Sadiq curates the ultimate mixtape for life; part memoir, part scientific inquiry, and part love affair with listening. In English, 16+, from July 16 to 20.
The Written Note (L’Écrit, D’Ubus Théâtre) – is an Ode to happiness. A fragile thread along which the meeting between young Célestine Olivier Myata and her great-aunt Murasaki Chizuko is drawn. In French, ages 6+, from July 29 to August 3.
Renard Doux (de Sylvie Gosselin) – A precious moment of tenderness, humor and creativity between a child, Renard Doux, and her grandmother. In French, ages 4+, from August 5 to 8.
“Whether you are looking for a family-friendly event or strolling downtown on a summer night, there will be something for everyone, every day of the week at the NAC,” says Gibson.
For a full lineup and ticket sales visit nac-cna.ca
by Laurie Wallace-Lynch, Ottawa Times
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