“The National Arts Centre Orchestra’s 2016-2017 lineup is buff with the big boys of classical music,” writes Sandra Abma in Friday’s (3/18) CBC News (Ottawa). In addition to the Beethoven piano concertos and works by Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Chopin, and Mozart, the season will include world premieres by seven Canadian composers, including a new work by Howard Shore featuring the classical guitarist Milos Karadaglic. “ ‘It’s all about creating a really healthy balance of new creations by composers we really believe in and the great classics,’ said NACO music director Alexander Shelley…. Shelley took over the reins as music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra last September to an abundance of good will and enthusiasm … While big things are expected for 2017—when Canada celebrates its 150th birthday and the [National Arts Centre’s] new facelift is revealed—for now, Shelley has the challenge of programming for a building that is under construction. That’s led him to plan for a truncated season.” Opening-night concerts October 6 and 7 will feature Joshua Bell in the Brahms Violin Concerto. “The hugely popular Casual Fridays series … continues with appearances from [classical guitarist] Milos and Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki.”
Posted March 21, 2016
