alexander shelley

The NAC Orchestra returns to Japan for the first time in four decades for this concert at Tokyo's legendary Suntory Hall. The program begins with Listening Underwater by Japanese-Canadian composer Keiko Devaux, premiering her work on the international stage. Commissioned by the NAC Orchestra, this evocative work, inspired by the communications of whales and other sea life, transports the audience to an organic underwater environment that is both familiar and mysterious. German piano prodigy Olga Scheps joins the NAC Orchestra for Sergei Rachmaninoff’s lush and emotionally charged Piano Concerto No. 2, a powerful—and superbly crafted—drama between piano and orchestra filled with passionate melodies, sumptuous textures, and rich harmonies. The program concludes with Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5, one of the most recognized works in music history. Its electrifying power continues to captivate audiences more than two centuries after its debut.

The NAC Orchestra returns to Japan for the first time in four decades, performing this second concert of the tour in Tsu. The program begins with Listening Underwater by Japanese-Canadian composer Keiko Devaux, premiering her work on the international stage. Commissioned by the NAC Orchestra, this evocative work, inspired by the communications of whales and other sea life, transports the audience to an organic underwater environment that is both familiar and mysterious. German piano prodigy Olga Scheps joins the NAC Orchestra for Sergei Rachmaninoff’s lush and emotionally charged Piano Concerto No. 2, a powerful—and superbly crafted—drama between piano and orchestra filled with passionate melodies, sumptuous textures, and rich harmonies. The program concludes with Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5, one of the most recognized works in music history. Its electrifying power continues to captivate audiences more than two centuries after its debut.

The National Arts Centre Orchestra represents Canada on the world stage at Expo 2025 Osaka, with an extraordinary concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of legendary Canadian jazz pianist and composer Oscar Peterson. This prestigious event brings together Canadian pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, led by acclaimed Canadian pianist Robi Botos, and a children’s choir from Friends of El Sistema Japan for a once-in-a-lifetime artistic experience. At the heart of the program are two iconic works: the world premiere of a newly commissioned arrangement of Peterson’s Trail of Dreams by Mike Downes and a stirring performance of Hymn to Freedom, arranged by Downes and orchestrated by Chris LaRosa. Oscar Peterson’s deep connection to Japan and his legacy as one of Canada’s greatest cultural ambassadors make this tribute a powerful celebration of Canada’s vibrant cultural contributions to the world.

The NAC Orchestra tour of Korea and Japan concludes at The Symphony Hall, Osaka The program begins with Listening Underwater by Japanese-Canadian composer Keiko Devaux, premiering her work on the international stage. Commissioned by the NAC Orchestra, this evocative work, inspired by the communications of whales and other sea life, transports the audience to an organic underwater environment that is both familiar and mysterious. German piano prodigy Olga Scheps joins the NAC Orchestra for Sergei Rachmaninoff’s lush and emotionally charged Piano Concerto No. 2, a powerful—and superbly crafted—drama between piano and orchestra filled with passionate melodies, sumptuous textures, and rich harmonies. The program concludes with Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5, one of the most recognized works in music history. Its electrifying power continues to captivate audiences more than two centuries after its debut.

Experience an evening of music that celebrates the joyful eruptions of spring and the warm serenity of the desert. Elemental, primordial, dissonant, pagan: words that describe Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring making it a deliciously shocking and essential musical experience! John Luther Adams’s ethereal Become Desert completes a musical trilogy he never intended to write.

Experience an evening of music that celebrates the joyful eruptions of spring and the warm serenity of the desert. Elemental, primordial, dissonant, pagan: words that describe Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring making it a deliciously shocking and essential musical experience! John Luther Adams’s ethereal Become Desert completes a musical trilogy he never intended to write.

Alexander Shelley and the NAC Orchestra close their season with a programme including Strauss's epic Zarathustra, Ian Cusson's NACO-commissioned companion work 1Q84 and Debussy's masterpiece La Mer.

Alexander Shelley and the NAC Orchestra close their season with a programme including Strauss's epic Zarathustra, Ian Cusson's NACO-commissioned companion work 1Q84 and Debussy's masterpiece La Mer.

Alexander Shelley and the National Arts Centre Orchestra open their season with intense drama and heartbreaking melodies when Tosca takes over Southam Hall in a semi-staged production directed by Joel Ivany. Soprano Joyce El-Khoury—who “elegantly embodies the title role of Tosca” (Opera News)—leads an all-Canadian cast of singers featuring tenor Matthew Cairns as Cavaradossi and bass-baritone Nathan Berg as Scarpia.

Alexander Shelley and the National Arts Centre Orchestra open their season with intense drama and heartbreaking melodies when Tosca takes over Southam Hall in a semi-staged production directed by Joel Ivany. Soprano Joyce El-Khoury—who “elegantly embodies the title role of Tosca” (Opera News)—leads an all-Canadian cast of singers featuring tenor Matthew Cairns as Cavaradossi and bass-baritone Nathan Berg as Scarpia.