Strauss

Margaret Atwood

Naples, Florida, USA – January 8th 2025

Join prizewinning author Margaret Atwood for an insightful conversation as she discusses her career in writing and the creation of Songs for Murdered Sisters, her poignant set of recent poems that were set to music by composer Jake Heggie. Atwood will be joined by Artis—Naples CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen and Sharon and Timothy Ubben Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley as they discuss the profound impact of this work, which will be performed later in the month by the Naples Philharmonic. Conducted by Alexander and featuring vocals by baritone Joshua Hopkins — brother of one of the women whose death inspired these poems (and music) — this powerful piece is inspired by a deeply personal tragedy.

Naples, Florida, USA – January 8th 2025 Read More »

Seattle Symphony Hall 2025

Seattle, United States of America – April 12th 2025

This concert is about the music that comes when we long for home. Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony captures the energetic elements of music he heard in America, dosed with a heartfelt nostalgia for his homeland. The result is one of the warmest celebrations of looking forwards and back. It’s no surprise that a recording of this symphony even made its way onto Apollo XI. Raymond Yiu’s Violin Concerto meditates on exile, inspired by the life of composer Ma Sicong, who fled China to build a new life in the U.S. And in his Romanian Folk Dances, Bartók finds inspiration in authentic regional folk music.

Seattle, United States of America – April 12th 2025 Read More »

Esther Yoo

Seattle, United States of America – April 11th 2025

This concert is about the music that comes when we long for home. Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony captures the energetic elements of music he heard in America, dosed with a heartfelt nostalgia for his homeland. The result is one of the warmest celebrations of looking forwards and back. It’s no surprise that a recording of this symphony even made its way onto Apollo XI. Raymond Yiu’s Violin Concerto meditates on exile, inspired by the life of composer Ma Sicong, who fled China to build a new life in the U.S. And in his Romanian Folk Dances, Bartók finds inspiration in authentic regional folk music.

Seattle, United States of America – April 11th 2025 Read More »

Naples Hayes Hall

Naples, Florida, USA – March 15th 2025

A highlight of the season, these concerts bring together the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus for performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Verleih uns Frieden, as well as a performance of Anna Clyne’s Color Fields.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

Naples, Florida, USA – March 15th 2025 Read More »

Alexander Shelley Naples 2024

Naples, Florida, USA – March 14th 2025

A highlight of the season, these concerts bring together the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus for performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Verleih uns Frieden, as well as a performance of Anna Clyne’s Color Fields.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

Naples, Florida, USA – March 14th 2025 Read More »

Beethoven 9 Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – March 13th 2025

A highlight of the season, these concerts bring together the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus for performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Verleih uns Frieden, as well as a performance of Anna Clyne’s Color Fields.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

Naples, Florida, USA – March 13th 2025 Read More »

CBSO

Birmingham, United Kingdom – February 20th 2025

Alexander returns to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with a selection of early 20th Century music. Both of Price’s Violin Concertos were found in a box as recently as 2009, and are finally getting the love they deserve. Randall Goosby is the perfect champion of the beautiful Concerto No.2. Stravinsky’s brilliant Firebird weaves an incredible tale of wizards, princesses and a magical bird. And just sit back and adore Price’s Adoration.

Birmingham, United Kingdom – February 20th 2025 Read More »

Orchestra Hall Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, USA – February 10th 2025

Alexander makes his debut with Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Orchestra at Orchestra Hall in a program featuring Yan-Pascal Tortelier’s orchestration of Ravel’s Trio, Debussy’s La Mer and Lili Boulanger’s D’un Matin de Printemps.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

Chicago, Illinois, USA – February 10th 2025 Read More »

Alexander Shelley Artis Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – January 31st 2025

This season’s Storytelling theme delves into deeper emotions in this Masterworks program as Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley has crafted a deeply moving experience that will not be forgotten any time soon.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

Naples, Florida, USA – January 31st 2025 Read More »

Hopkins Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – January 30th 2025

This season’s Storytelling theme delves into deeper emotions in this Masterworks program as Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley has crafted a deeply moving experience that will not be forgotten any time soon.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

Naples, Florida, USA – January 30th 2025 Read More »

Renee Fleming Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – January 12th 2025

In this highly anticipated program, Fleming joins the Naples Philharmonic to perform Voice of Nature – The Anthropocene, inspired by her recent Grammy-winning solo album exploring the peril and fragility of the natural world. An original film by the National Geographic Society accompanies a portion of the program, creating an unforgettable multimedia experience that spans the classical, romantic and contemporary eras, with music ranging from Handel to Björk.

Naples, Florida, USA – January 12th 2025 Read More »

Shelley Bellido Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – January 11th 2025

This year’s Storytelling theme again comes into focus with this musical program about fairy tales, a soldier’s seduction and abandonment, memories of the sea and whether music has a scent. Join Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley, the Naples Philharmonic and the expert precision of special guest pianist Javier Perianes as they retell the stories we love through music.

Naples, Florida, USA – January 11th 2025 Read More »

Perianes Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – January 9th 2025

This year’s Storytelling theme again comes into focus with this musical program about fairy tales, a soldier’s seduction and abandonment, memories of the sea and whether music has a scent. Join Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley, the Naples Philharmonic and the expert precision of special guest pianist Javier Perianes as they retell the stories we love through music.

Naples, Florida, USA – January 9th 2025 Read More »

UAQUE Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – January 5th 2025

Experience the unique artistry of Colombian-Canadian choreographer Andrea Peña, noted for her meticulous conceptual creations and ability to foster deep dialogue between the body and materiality.

With UAQUE, Peña creates a dialogue between disciplines of dance, visual arts and music as Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley conducts the Naples Philharmonic. In the background, artist and photographer Edward Burtynsky’s astonishing images paint a fascinating self-portrait of our planet, illustrating the duality between beauty and the environmental crisis. Ten dancers, in tension and conversation with these images, create a moment suspended in time — one in which humanity and nature are united.

This evocative performance asks us to slow down and contemplate a sustainable future, leaving a glimmer of hope in the dancers’ wake.

Naples, Florida, USA – January 5th 2025 Read More »

Tama Matheson Naples 2024

Naples, Florida, USA – December 14th 2024

This dream of a program features the world premiere of a new work by Kazakh composer Meilina Tsui, artistic partner and violinist James Ehnes joining the orchestra under the baton of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley for a run through Mendelssohn’s lyrical and popular Violin Concerto before the orchestra concludes with Mendelssohn’s evocative, energetic and magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream narrated and acted by Tama Matheson.

Naples, Florida, USA – December 14th 2024 Read More »

James Ehnes Naples Dec 2024

Naples, Florida, USA – December 13th 2024

This dream of a program features the world premiere of a new work by Kazakh composer Meilina Tsui, artistic partner and violinist James Ehnes joining the orchestra under the baton of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley for a run through Mendelssohn’s lyrical and popular Violin Concerto before the orchestra concludes with Mendelssohn’s evocative, energetic and magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream narrated and acted by Tama Matheson.

Naples, Florida, USA – December 13th 2024 Read More »

RPO Nov 2024

London, United Kingdom – November 30th 2024

Timeless melodies and profound emotions are on offer as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Guildford with a double bill of Beethoven, under the baton of their Principal Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley.

Daniel Lebhardt joins the Orchestra for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.5, the ‘Emperor’, a monumental work of breathtaking grandeur which soars with passion and intensity, before a colossal finale with Beethoven’s enduring Fifth Symphony. From possibly the most iconic opening motif of any classical piece to the triumphant finale, this masterwork will stir your soul and leave you awestruck.

Mendelssohn was similarly moved by a trip to Scotland where he visited the Fingal’s Cave with its legend of giants and destroyed castles. His Hebrides Overture captures all of the mythical and misty atmosphere of that special place and opens tonight’s concert.

London, United Kingdom – November 30th 2024 Read More »

RPO November 2024

London, United Kingdom – November 28th 2024

The RPO’s Principal Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley has been called ‘a natural communicator’ – and tonight he has a joyous story to tell. He kicks off with the whirlwind energy and homespun high-spirits of Smetana’s irresistible comedy overture. He finishes with the blazing trumpets and big, sunlit melodies of Brahms’ Second and happiest symphony – it was written while the composer was on his summer holidays, and you can tell! In between, we’re making musical history, with the first UK performance of a new piano concerto written by the Hungarian sonic conjuror Peter Eötvös in homage to György Cziffra, a family friend of the composer who survived communist brutality to become one of the 20th century’s most dazzling pianists. It’s played by János Balázs, who gave the world premiere in Paris, in 2021.

London, United Kingdom – November 28th 2024 Read More »

Alexander Shelley Naples 2024

Naples, Florida, USA – November 2nd 2024

Joining the Naples Philharmonic and Alexander for his first concert as Music Director is Sony Classical recording artist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, who has been called the global ambassador of Spanish guitar by Billboard magazine and is often referred to as the successor to Andrés Segovia. Audiences will experience contemporary Mexican composer Arturo Márquez’s all-new Guitar Concerto, specifically written for Sáinz-Villegas and co-commissioned by Artis—Naples. Another contemporary piece titled Kauyumari by Latin Grammy-nominated Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz kicks off the night, while Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s vividly colorful Pictures at an Exhibition concludes the evening.

Naples, Florida, USA – November 2nd 2024 Read More »

Pablo Sainz Villegas Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – November 1st 2024

Joining the Naples Philharmonic and Alexander for his first concert as Music Director is Sony Classical recording artist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, who has been called the global ambassador of Spanish guitar by Billboard magazine and is often referred to as the successor to Andrés Segovia. Audiences will experience contemporary Mexican composer Arturo Márquez’s all-new Guitar Concerto, specifically written for Sáinz-Villegas and co-commissioned by Artis—Naples. Another contemporary piece titled Kauyumari by Latin Grammy-nominated Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz kicks off the night, while Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s vividly colorful Pictures at an Exhibition concludes the evening.

Naples, Florida, USA – November 1st 2024 Read More »

Colorado Symphony Verdi Requiem

Denver, Colorado, USA – October 20th 2024

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the world-renowned Colorado Symphony Chorus with a renewal of Verdi’s monumental Requiem under the baton of guest conductor Alexander Shelley. The Chorus first performed this legendary work during its debut on October 25, 1984, at Boettcher Concert Hall. Nearly 40 years to the day, they breathe new life into Verdi’s compassionate projection of essential human emotions — devotion, agitation, and hope. A personal, reverent, and poignant tribute to Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni, Verdi’s transcendent Requiem remains one of the most cherished choral works of all time.

Denver, Colorado, USA – October 20th 2024 Read More »

Colorado Symphony Verdi Requiem

Denver, Colorado, USA – October 19th 2024

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the world-renowned Colorado Symphony Chorus with a renewal of Verdi’s monumental Requiem under the baton of guest conductor Alexander Shelley. The Chorus first performed this legendary work during its debut on October 25, 1984, at Boettcher Concert Hall. Nearly 40 years to the day, they breathe new life into Verdi’s compassionate projection of essential human emotions — devotion, agitation, and hope. A personal, reverent, and poignant tribute to Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni, Verdi’s transcendent Requiem remains one of the most cherished choral works of all time.

Denver, Colorado, USA – October 19th 2024 Read More »

Colorado Symphony Verdi Requiem

Denver, Colorado, USA – October 18th 2024

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the world-renowned Colorado Symphony Chorus with a renewal of Verdi’s monumental Requiem under the baton of guest conductor Alexander Shelley. The Chorus first performed this legendary work during its debut on October 25, 1984, at Boettcher Concert Hall. Nearly 40 years to the day, they breathe new life into Verdi’s compassionate projection of essential human emotions — devotion, agitation, and hope. A personal, reverent, and poignant tribute to Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni, Verdi’s transcendent Requiem remains one of the most cherished choral works of all time.

Denver, Colorado, USA – October 18th 2024 Read More »

Jess Gillam and Alexander Shelley

Naples, Florida, USA – March 15th 2024

Artistic and Music Director Designate Alexander Shelley returns to continue an exploration of the life and times of George Gershwin in a program showcasing a range of musical styles. Opening with Gershwin’s An American in Paris, the program also includes Anna Clyne’s Glasslands, an Artis—Naples co-commission featuring saxophonist extraordinaire Jess Gillam. Ravel’s La valse and Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite round out the program.

Naples, Florida, USA – March 15th 2024 Read More »

Jess Gillam and Alexander Shelley

Naples, Florida, USA – March 14th 2024

Artistic and Music Director Designate Alexander Shelley returns to continue an exploration of the life and times of George Gershwin in a program showcasing a range of musical styles. Opening with Gershwin’s An American in Paris, the program also includes Anna Clyne’s Glasslands, an Artis—Naples co-commission featuring saxophonist extraordinaire Jess Gillam. Ravel’s La valse and Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite round out the program.

Naples, Florida, USA – March 14th 2024 Read More »

Alexander Shelley Artis Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – January 26th 2024

Conducting his first Naples Philharmonic Masterworks performance since his appointment as Artistic and Music Director Designate Alexander Shelley leads an emotionally intense program beginning and ending with some of Richard Strauss’ finest works: Don Juan and Death and Transfiguration as well as Korngold’s Violin Concerto, featuring virtuoso Blake Pouliot, and Gubaidulina’s Fairytale Poem.

Naples, Florida, USA – January 26th 2024 Read More »

Hayes Hall, Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – January 25th 2024

Conducting his first Naples Philharmonic Masterworks performance since his appointment as Artistic and Music Director Designate Alexander Shelley leads an emotionally intense program beginning and ending with some of Richard Strauss’ finest works: Don Juan and Death and Transfiguration as well as Korngold’s Violin Concerto, featuring virtuoso Blake Pouliot, and Gubaidulina’s Fairytale Poem.

Naples, Florida, USA – January 25th 2024 Read More »

Hayes Hall, Naples

Naples, Florida, USA – November 16th 2023

Join the Naples Philharmonic and Alexander Shelley in his first concert since being named artistic and music director designate. This special night will be a true “overture” to Alexander’s new role and will feature beloved classical favorites and lesser-known gems including Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Strauss’ Overture to Die Fledermaus and Joan Tower’s Sixth Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman.

Naples, Florida, USA – November 16th 2023 Read More »

Janice Chandler-Eteme and Alexander Shelley in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, United States of America – October 28th 2023

Soprano Janice Chandler-Eteme delivers the immortal words of President John F. Kennedy and poet Robert Frost in a new co-commissioned work by Adolphus Hailstork titled JFK: The Last Speech. On his return to Indianapolis Symphony Alexander Shelley bookends the new work with Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman #6 and concludes the program with Brahms’ triumphant First Symphony.

Indianapolis, United States of America – October 28th 2023 Read More »

Janice Chandler-Eteme and Alexander Shelley in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, United States of America – October 27th 2023

Soprano Janice Chandler-Eteme delivers the immortal words of President John F. Kennedy and poet Robert Frost in a new co-commissioned work by Adolphus Hailstork titled JFK: The Last Speech. On his return to Indianapolis Symphony Alexander Shelley bookends the new work with Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman #6 and concludes the program with Brahms’ triumphant First Symphony.

Indianapolis, United States of America – October 27th 2023 Read More »

Alexander Shelley and Nobu at the National Arts Centre

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – May 11th 2023

The NAC Orchestra is proud to present this concert as part of NACO’s Mentorship Program. Now in its second year, this program provides aspiring young orchestral musicians three immersive and inspiring weeks working side by side with NACO musicians in a professional orchestra setting. The evening’s performance also serves as a fitting bookend to NACO’s year-long exploration of the Orchestra as an ecosystem and the ways in which music and art can serve as inspiration for a way forward in the climate crisis.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – May 11th 2023 Read More »

Alexander Shelley and Nobu at the National Arts Centre

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – May 10th 2023

The NAC Orchestra is proud to present this concert as part of NACO’s Mentorship Program. Now in its second year, this program provides aspiring young orchestral musicians three immersive and inspiring weeks working side by side with NACO musicians in a professional orchestra setting. The evening’s performance also serves as a fitting bookend to NACO’s year-long exploration of the Orchestra as an ecosystem and the ways in which music and art can serve as inspiration for a way forward in the climate crisis.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – May 10th 2023 Read More »

Orchestre Metropolitan Alexander Shelley

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Quebec, Canada – April 29th 2023

Alexander returns to Montreal’s Orchestre Metropolitain with Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier suite evoking classic Vienna, ripe with waltzing, elegance and ingenuity. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto demands musicality, virtuosity and folk spirit, of soloist Kerson Leong. Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock’s My Name Is Amanda Todd brings a message of hope to the story of a teenage cyberbullying victim.

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Quebec, Canada – April 29th 2023 Read More »

Orchestre Metropolitan Alexander Shelley

Verdun, Quebec, Canada – April 26th 2023

Alexander returns to Montreal’s Orchestre Metropolitain with Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier suite evoking classic Vienna, ripe with waltzing, elegance and ingenuity. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto demands musicality, virtuosity and folk spirit, of soloist Kerson Leong. Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock’s My Name Is Amanda Todd brings a message of hope to the story of a teenage cyberbullying victim.

Verdun, Quebec, Canada – April 26th 2023 Read More »

Maison Symphonique Montreal

Montreal, Quebec, Canada – April 28th 2023

Alexander returns to Montreal’s Orchestre Metropolitain with Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier suite evoking classic Vienna, ripe with waltzing, elegance and ingenuity. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto demands musicality, virtuosity and folk spirit, of soloist Kerson Leong. Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock’s My Name Is Amanda Todd brings a message of hope to the story of a teenage cyberbullying victim.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada – April 28th 2023 Read More »

Alexander Shelley with Orchestre Metropolitain

Rivière-des-Prairies, Quebec, Canada – April 27th 2023

Alexander returns to Montreal’s Orchestre Metropolitain with Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier suite evoking classic Vienna, ripe with waltzing, elegance and ingenuity. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto demands musicality, virtuosity and folk spirit, of soloist Kerson Leong. Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock’s My Name Is Amanda Todd brings a message of hope to the story of a teenage cyberbullying victim.

Rivière-des-Prairies, Quebec, Canada – April 27th 2023 Read More »

Shayne Carter

Christchurch, New Zealand – October 8th 2022

Alexander Shelley and New Zealand Symphony collaborate with one of New Zealand’s most talented and distinctive singer-songwriters. Best known as the frontman of seminal Dunedin band Straitjacket Fits, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind collaboration that weaves Carter’s favourite moments from the ‘classical’ canon with reimagined orchestral versions of his own songs.

Christchurch, New Zealand – October 8th 2022 Read More »

Ottawa, Canada – February 10th 2023

Alexander and the NAC OrcThis evening’s concert by the NAC Orchestra hosts an exhilarating meeting of artistic minds, each at the top of their game. Canadian composer and NAC Orchestra creative partner Barbara Assiginaak’s new work, Concerto grosso, is the first in a 3-part cycle featuring different combinations of instruments, celebrates NACO’s own brilliant ensemble playing. Acclaimed Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins makes his Southam Hall solo debut to perform a powerful work written expressly for him that conveys the tragedy of lives needlessly lost. Songs for Murdered Sisters is an NAC and Houston Grand Opera co-commissioned song cycle, conceived as both a fully orchestrated piece for voice and symphony orchestra, and as a chamber piece for voice and piano, based on original poetry by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. Music by Jake Heggie, best known for his operas Dead Man Walking and It’s a Wonderful Life, embraces and builds on the passion of Atwood’s powerful words.

Ottawa, Canada – February 10th 2023 Read More »

Ottawa, Canada – February 9th 2023

Alexander and the NAC OrcThis evening’s concert by the NAC Orchestra hosts an exhilarating meeting of artistic minds, each at the top of their game. Canadian composer and NAC Orchestra creative partner Barbara Assiginaak’s new work, Concerto grosso, is the first in a 3-part cycle featuring different combinations of instruments, celebrates NACO’s own brilliant ensemble playing. Acclaimed Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins makes his Southam Hall solo debut to perform a powerful work written expressly for him that conveys the tragedy of lives needlessly lost. Songs for Murdered Sisters is an NAC and Houston Grand Opera co-commissioned song cycle, conceived as both a fully orchestrated piece for voice and symphony orchestra, and as a chamber piece for voice and piano, based on original poetry by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. Music by Jake Heggie, best known for his operas Dead Man Walking and It’s a Wonderful Life, embraces and builds on the passion of Atwood’s powerful words.

Ottawa, Canada – February 9th 2023 Read More »