Quebec Scene

QUEBEC SCENE WRAPS UP LARGEST-EVER GATHERING OF QUEBEC ARTISTS OUTSIDE THE PROVINCE WITH MULTI-TALENTED ARTIST GREGORY CHARLES

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Fri, 04 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Artists and audiences enjoy 700 artists performing in more than 100 events over past 16 days

OTTAWA (Ontario) -- The Quebec Scene festival wraps up tomorrow with a performance by multi-talented Gregory Charles. Musician, actor, dancer, singer, radio and TV host, Charles is a versatile performer who embraces blues, soul and French chanson with equal ease and skill.

Audiences, critics, and artists had kudos for Quebec Scene.

"We've traveled to Japan, Russia, Europe â€“ but never west of Ottawa. For us, it's important to be able to play in our own country."
- Gypsy Snyder, Les Sept Doigts de la Main

"Thank you for giving us the opportunity to workshop Norman in excellent conditions, before a receptive and supportive audience. Special thanks to the friendly and competent staff of the National Arts Centre Studio."
- Richard Gagnon, General and Administrative Director, 4D art

"The members of Compagnie Marie Chouinard were thrilled by the spontaneous ovation from the capacity audience (the show sold out more than two months in advance)."
â€“ Compagnie Marie Chouinard

"The Quebec program reflects this commitment to such an extent it will make your head spin. Some days, by splitting yourself in two, you could take in a couple dozen topnotch productions."
â€“ StÃ©phane Baillargeon, Le Devoir.

"On behalf of Canada's New Government, I would like to applaud all those involved in making Quebec Scene a success, enabling Canadians to experience first-hand the diverse, unique and vibrant culture of Quebec through this dynamic festival."
â€“ Hon. Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women

"QuÃ©bec Scene is a close encounter with beauty in all shapes and forms. It is a place for unexpected discoveries. I loved this experience and I wish the very best to the hundreds of QuÃ©bec creators in their career."
â€“ Christine St-Pierre, Minister of Culture, Communications and Status of Women

"Kudos to Heather Moore, the producer of Quebec Scene and, above all, thank you to the 700 artists, musicians, actors, authors, dancers, directors and creators who will be thrilling us throughout this festival."
â€“ Hon. Mauril BÃ©langer (Ottawa-Vanier) M.P., P.C

For the 16 days of Quebec Scene audiences were treated to performances by artists such as:

Dance companies and artists La La La Human Steps, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de MontrÃ©al, Hinda Essadiqi and Dave St-Pierre; Theatre productions and artists LÃ¨vres by Pierre Lebeau, 4D art's production of Norman, Les Entrailles by Claude Gauvreau, King Dave by Alexandre Goyette, The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios by Infinitheatre and Wajdi Mouawad's Scorched ; Musical groups and artists Ariane Moffatt, Richard Desjardins, Oliver Jones, Lorraine Desmarais, Les Breastfeeders, Torngat, The Stills, , Boogat, Daniel Thouin, Karkwa, the Montreal Jubilation Choir & the Jubilation Big Band, Starmania Symphonique, Kent Nagano and the Orchestre symphonique de MontrÃ©al, Yoav Talmi and the Orchestre symphonique de QuÃ©bec; Louis Lortie; Literary and storytelling artists Yann Martel, Neil Bissoondath and Jean Barbe, and Michel Faubert; Visual and Media artists Jean-Pierre AubÃ©, Pascal Grandmaison, Michel de Broin, BGL, Suzanne Bergeron, Nelson Hendricks, Alanis Obomsawin, Mattiusi Iyaituk; Filmmakers Norman McLaren, Anthony Sherwood and Torill Kove; Circus, humour and culinary artists featuring The 7 Fingers (les 7 doigts de la main), Juste Pour Rire, Normand Laprise and Daniel VÃ©zina.

"Quebec Scene has been quite the ride â€“ we have offered audiences exposure to a wide range of Quebec talent," said Quebec Scene Producer and Executive Director Heather Moore. "Perennial favourites such as Starmania Symphonique played to packed houses, and emerging artists like Cuban singer Caridad Cruz and the eclectic Call Me PoupÃ©e discovered enthusiastic fans in venues around the region."

Quebec Scene featured an exciting mix of new works by some of Quebec's most sought-after creators, with the following being co-produced by Quebec Scene: A little tenderness for crying out loud! by choreographer Dave St-Pierre, Norman, a live fusion of theatre and film based on Quebec filmmaker Norman McLaren produced by 4D art, Les Entrailles by Claude Gauvreau, directed by JoÃ«l Beddows and produced by ThÃ©Ã¢tre La Catapulte, and the nomadic theatre experience of Welcome toâ€¦ (a city where you are a tourist) by Olivier ChoiniÃ¨re, presented in association with ThÃ©Ã¢tre de la Vieille 17.

Quebec Scene also commissioned Making Real, a major visual and media arts exhibition that explores the artist's relationship to reality. Curated by Montreal's Marie Fraser and presented in collaboration with the National Capital Commission, Making Real featured site-specific works specially created or adapted for a brand new space in a former bank at 106 Sparks Street. Among the 13 artists featured in the exhibit were Jean-Pierre AubÃ©, Pascal Grandmaison, Nadia Myre, RaphaÃ«lle de Groot and Ãˆve K. Tremblay.

The festival touched tens of thousands of enthusiastic local audience members, but also had an enormous reach through extensive national media interest. The Scene's media partners helped create national interest in the art and artists from Quebec, including a three-part CBC Regional produced show for both the Ottawa and Montreal markets on Quebec Scene that aired every Friday afternoon during the festival. There was also special interest from Quebec media outlets that covered the scene widely, with reports appearing in: The Globe and Mail, National Post, Le Devoir, The Gazette, La Presse, and on Radio-Canada, as well as local outlets such as the Ottawa Citizen and Le Droit.

One of the objectives of the Quebec Scene was to help emerging and established artists further their careers. Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions made it possible for the NAC to invite more than 85 domestic and international arts presenters to attend the Quebec Scene and seek out new talent and touring productions for audiences beyond the two-week festival. This was an extremely successful aspects of the festival as talent scouts from as far as Asia and Europe joined Canadian and American talent scouts to book Quebec artists for future tours. The presenters at the Scene were uniformly enthusiastic about the quality of the talent they saw at the festival. Without a doubt, many Quebec artists will be appearing in a wide variety performing venues, as well as securing distribution, recording, management and booking deals in Canada and abroad as a direct result of the presenters programme.
"Words can not thank you enough for everythingâ€¦ Moments in Ottawa [during Quebec Scene] were magic." Marcos Mantoan, Director Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges support by Major Sponsor SAQ, Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz MÃ©tro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBC's Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Gesca LimitÃ©e, notably through La Presse, Le Soleil and Le Droit, the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of QuÃ©bec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, and particular thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier.

VENUE AND PROGAMMING PARTNERS

Quebec Scene would not be possible without the collaboration of close to 100 Ottawa, Gatineau and Quebec producers and presenters. Their enthusiasm and creativity is an essential element to Quebec Scene's success and the NAC is honoured to count them as partners:

Association des auteurs et auteures de l'Outaouais; Association Outaouaise des Professionnels des MÃ©tiers de Bouche; Available Light; Avatar; Canada Council Art Bank; Canadian Film Institute; Canadian Guild of Crafts; Centre d'exposition Art-image; Destination World Travel; KINO'00; Le Petit Chicago; Les contes du Mardi, Gatineau; Les SoirÃ©es de Musique FraÃ®che; Maison Charron; Moment Factory; NACâ€“ Danse; NAC â€“ Music; NAC â€“ Fourth Stage; NAC â€“ English Theatre; NAC â€“ French Theatre; National Capital Commission; National Film Board of Canada; NAC Orchestra; Ottawa Folk Festival; Ottawa International Animation Festival; Ottawa International Writers Festival; Ottawa Jazz Festival; Productions Littorale; PunkOttawa.com; Strataide; ThÃ©Ã¢tre de la Vieille 17; VidÃ©ographe; Beckta Dining and Wine; Bistro l'Espresso; Ei8hteen; Elgin CafÃ©; Empire Grill; L'Aubergine; Le Baccara; Le CafÃ©; Le Cordon Bleu; Le Sans-Pareil; Le St-EstÃ¨phe; Les FougÃ¨res; L'OrÃ©e du Bois; Luxe Bistro; Metropolitain Brasserie; Par-fyum; Social Restaurant; Stella Osteria; The WORKS Gourmet Burger Bistro; Buba VidÃ©o; Club International VidÃ©o Film Riel; Elgin Street Video Station; Glebe Video International; The Invisible Cinema; Videoflicks; Video Mondo; Video Shack; West Coast Video.

The performance venues include Arts Court; AXENÃ‰O7; Babylon; Barrymore's Music Hall; Canadian Museum of Civilization; Capital Music Hall; blacksheep; Centrepointe Theatre; City Hall Art Gallery (Ottawa); Club SAW; DAÃMÃ•N; Dominion-Chalmers United Church; Galerie Montcalm; Gallery 101; Great Canadian Theatre Company; Karsh-Masson Gallery; La Nouvelle ScÃ¨ne; Library and Archives Canada; Maison de la culture de Gatineau; National Gallery of Canada; Rideau Hall; Le Petit Chicago; Salle Jean-DesprÃ©z; Salle La Basoche; SAW Gallery; SAW Video; The Ottawa Art Gallery; The Rainbow and the University of Ottawa, Academic Hall.

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For more information: Chantal Dufresne Communications Officer Quebec Scene Tel. (514) 844-9554 Cell: (514) 918-8271 commdufresne@videotron.ca

Jayne Watson Director, Communications and Public Affairs National Arts Centre Tel. (613) 947-7000 x 260 Cell: (613) 791-5697 jwatson@nac-cna.ca

GRIMSKUNK and VULGAIRES MACHINS WILL PLAY THE PETIT CHICAGO ON MAY 5

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Wed, 02 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

GRIMSKUNK and VULGAIRES MACHINS WILL PLAY THE PETIT CHICAGO ON MAY 5 Rock fans take note: youâ€™ll have a chance to see and hear Quebec bands Grimskunk and Vulgaires Machins this coming Saturday, May 5 at 21:30 at the Petit Chicago in Gatineau (Hull). Tickets are $15 (tax included), available at the door. The Petit Chicago, a Quebec Scene partner, is located at 50 Promenade du Portage. On May 1, Quebec Scene organizers regretfully announced the cancellation of the rock mega-concert originally scheduled for May 5 at the Robert Guertin Centre in Gatineau, featuring Grimskunk, Vulgaires Machins, Arseniq33 and Le volume Ã©tait au maximum. Quebec Scene apologizes for any inconvenience to ticket holders. For a full refund, please return your ticket(s) to the Robert Guertin Centre or call 819 773 7360 (credit card purchases only). The Centreâ€™s business hours are 12:00 to 17:00, Monday through Friday; on Saturday, May 5 only, hours will be 12:00 to 22:00. Please note that complimentary tickets and media tickets are not refundable or exchangeable. -30- For more information, please contact: Chantal Dufresne Communications Officer, Quebec Scene commdufresne@videotron.ca 514 844 9554 Jayne Watson Director, Communications, National Arts Centre 613 947 7000, ext. 260 jwatson@nac-cna.ca

QUEBEC SCENE ROCK CONCERT CANCELLED

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Quebec Scene regrets that the rock show originally planned for the Robert-Guertin arena on May 5 has been cancelled. GrimSkunk, Vulgaires machines, Arseniq33 and Le volume Ã©tait au maximum were booked to perform an all-ages show on Saturday, May 5, in the Gatineau arena. Disappointing ticket sales prompted the decision. Ticket holders can get a refund from Robert-Guertin. Ticket holders can obtain a full refund at by presenting themselves in person at the Robert-Guertin Arena or by telephoning (819) 773-7360 for those who purchased their tickets by credit card only. The Arena is open Monday to Friday Noon to 5pm and Saturday May 5th the arena will remain open until 10pm on an exceptional basis. -30- Chantal Dufresne Communications Officer ScÃ¨ne QuÃ©bec TÃ©l. : (514) 918.8271 Jayne Watson Director of Communications, National Arts Centre TÃ©l. : (613) 947.7000 ext. 260

QUEBEC SCENE BRINGS NEW THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

[Ottawa, Ontario â€“ April, 2007] â€“ Quebec Scene has managed to accrue a generous theatrical line-up for both French and English speaking audiences. A number of these performances will be bilingual and some will be performed in one or the other official language allowing guests to enjoy the broad range of creative theatre made in Quebec. Quebec Scene is proud to be showing the world premiere of Norman written by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. Produced by 4D art in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada in coproduction with Place des Arts de MontrÃ©al, the Quebec Scene, Luminato Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, and Espace Jean Legendre â€“ ScÃ¨ne conventionnÃ©e, CompiÃ¨gne (France), this production tells the story of animator Norman McLaren, creator of such classics as Pas de deux and Once Upon a Chair, who left an indelible mark on the history of film. Norman McLaren founded the National Film Board animation studio in 1941 and turned it into a unique creative crucible that inspired generations of filmmakers. Through the innovative projection technologies developed by 4D art, audiences can now penetrate McLarenâ€™s world in a whole new way. This one-man show, featuring talented performer/choreographer Peter Trosztmer, pays tribute to the great filmmakerâ€™s extraordinary genius, vision and humanity through an interactive mix of interviews, sound sequences and video clips in a bilingual presentation April 26 & 27 at 20:00 and April 28 at 14:00 and 20:00 at the National Arts Centre, Studio. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111 or online at www.quebecscene.ca. Price: Adults $25, Students $13.75. The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios written by Yann Martel, l author of Life of Pi, winner of the 2002 Booker Prize, and produced by Infinitheatre, tells the story of two friends, two fates. Paul, 19, is dying. As a way of dealing with the unbearable, his friend makes up a story about the Roccamatio family of Helsinki, a fictional tale built around real events that marked the twentieth century. From the invention of the zipper to the Holocaust, this debut short story by Yann Martel is a fascinating overview of the hopes and horrors of a century, suspended on the tenuous thread of a fatal diagnosis. This show is presented in English April 27 â€“ 29 at Arts Court Theatre. The April 27 and 29 performances will include a post-show talkback with Yann Martel. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca, at Arts Court reception desk or the Arts Court Box Office 1 hour before show time. Price: Adults $20, Students $15. Yann Martel will also read and discuss excerpts from The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios in separate events at Arts Court on April 27 at 18:30 and April 29 at 12:30. Tickets are available at NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca, at Arts Court reception desk or the Arts Court Box Office 1 hour before show time. Price: $10. Welcome to... (a city where you are the tourist) written by Olivier ChoiniÃ¨re and created by ARGGL!. The Ottawa version was commissioned by Quebec Scene and is presented in association with ThÃ©Ã¢tre de la Vieille 17. This production invites guests on an urban adventure, an audio guided tour designed for one person at a time. Guests will begin the journey at 61A York Street and while roaming the streets, the pre-recorded human voice describes not the city seen through the viewersâ€™ eyes but the ghosts and memories of its past, its dreams and nightmares. This production is presented in English and French and runs from April 20 â€“ May 5. Tickets are available at the Nouvelle ScÃ¨ne Box Office at 613.241.2727, ext. 1. Price: Adults $26.50, Seniors $21.50, Students $16.50 Carte LibertÃ© holders: Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10. Everybodyâ€™s Welles is a theatrical docudrama about an obsessive lecturer whose life and career are altered by his experience of Wellesâ€™ films. Patrice Dubois and Martin Labrecque, try to grasp and communicate the essence of Welles the man and, more important, Welles the legend. In order to take on such tasks both had to become â€œWellesianâ€ themselves: versatile, multifaceted, politicized craftsmen. Winner of the 2005 Masque for Outstanding Montreal Production, Everybodyâ€™s Welles (pour tous) plays May 3 at 20:00 in French and May 4-5 at 20:00 in English at Ottawa University Academic Hall. Tickets are available at NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: Adults $20, Students $15. In addition, Quebec Scene partners present more English programming. Helenâ€™s Necklace by Quebec author Carole FrÃ©chette is being presented by the Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) from April 17 â€“ May 6. While the National Arts Centreâ€™s English Theatre, presents Wajdi Mouawadâ€™s Scorched (April 4-21) as well as readings from Tadoussac Playwrightsâ€™ Workshop 2006 Residence (May 4). Tickets for all Quebec Scene events are on sale now. For detailed information on how to purchase tickets on-line, by phone or in-person, as well as for more detailed information on all the Quebec Scene shows and events, please consult the event website at www.quebecscene.ca. The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges support by Major Sponsor SAQ, Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz Metro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBCâ€™s Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Ã‰nergie, Rock DÃ©tente, Gesca LimitÃ©e, notably through La Presse and Le Droit, the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of QuÃ©bec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, and particular thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier. -30- For more information please contact: Whitney Zelmer Knock on Wood Communications + Events 613.236.8452 Mobile: 613.864.9571 whitney@kowpr.com

AN IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP OF FRENCH AND BILINGUAL THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

[Ottawa, Ontario â€“ April, 2007] â€“ Quebec Scene presents some of the hottest plays, including works by some of Quebecâ€™s most sought-after creators and a world premiere. Quebec Scene is proud to be showing the world premiere of Norman written by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. Produced by 4D art in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada in coproduction with Place des Arts de MontrÃ©al, the Quebec Scene, Luminato Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, and Espace Jean Legendre â€“ ScÃ¨ne conventionnÃ©e, CompiÃ¨gne (France), this production tells the story of animator Norman McLaren, creator of such classics as Pas de deux and Once Upon a Chair, who left an indelible mark on the history of film. Norman McLaren founded the National Film Board animation studio in 1941 and turned it into a unique creative crucible that inspired generations of filmmakers. Through the innovative projection technologies developed by 4D art, audiences can now penetrate McLarenâ€™s world in a whole new way. This one-man show, featuring talented performer/choreographer Peter Trosztmer, pays tribute to the great filmmakerâ€™s extraordinary genius, vision and humanity through an interactive mix of interviews, sound sequences and video clips in a bilingual presentation April 26 & 27 at 20:00 and April 28 at 14:00 and 20:00 at the National Arts Centre, Studio. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111 or online at www.quebecscene.ca. Price: Adults $25, Students $13.75. King Dave, written by Alexandre Goyette, directed by Christian Fortin tells the story of David Morin, a.k.a. â€œKing Daveâ€. A young man with something of a teenager still about him, Dave thinks heâ€™s invincible. However, one night at a wild party, his life starts to spin out of control, and heâ€™s inexorably drawn into the violent world of street gangs. An astonishing one-man show, this first play by playwright and performer Alexandre Goyette won the prestigious Masques (awards) for Best Original Script and Best Performance by a Male Actor, 2005. This darkly gripping, breathlessly suspenseful blend of horror and humour plays in French at The National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage April 26-28 at 20:00. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111 or online at www.quebecscene.ca. Price: Adults $20, Students $15. Discours de la mÃ©thode is written by Loup Bleu and loosely based on the work of RenÃ© Descartes the giant of French philosophy. Having tackled such classics as the epic novel Candide and even the Bible, Loup Bleu and his merry band from ThÃ©Ã¢tre du Sous-Marin Jaune take on RenÃ© Descartes, â€œI think, therefore I am,â€ declares... the marionette! Loup Bleu, omniscient narrator, follows in the great thinkerâ€™s footsteps, offering a quickie adaptation of Descartesâ€™ mammoth 11-volume philosophical treatise thatâ€™s light years away from the classroom snore fests we all endured. With its irresistible blend of puppets, puppeteers/performers and Chinese shadow play, this is theatre thatâ€™s creative, playful and informative and a fascinating adventure for young and old alike. Discours de la mÃ©thode is playing in French only at Arts Court Theatre May 4-5 at 20:00. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca, Arts Court reception desk or at the Arts Court Box Office 1 hour before show time. Price: Adults $20, Students $15. Welcome to... (a city where you are the tourist) written by Olivier ChoiniÃ¨re and created by ARGGL!. The Ottawa version was commissioned by Quebec Scene and is presented in association with ThÃ©Ã¢tre de la Vieille 17. This production invites guests on an urban adventure, an audio guided tour designed for one person at a time. Guests will begin the journey at 61A York Street and while roaming the streets, the pre-recorded human voice describes not the city seen through the viewersâ€™ eyes but the ghosts and memories of its past, its dreams and nightmares. This production is presented in English and French and runs from April 20 â€“ May 5. Tickets are available at the Nouvelle ScÃ¨ne Box Office at 613.241.2727, ext. 1. Price: Adults $26.50, Seniors $21.50, Students $16.50 Carte LibertÃ© holders: Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10. Everybodyâ€™s Welles pour tous is a theatrical docudrama about an obsessive lecturer whose life and career are altered by his experience of Wellesâ€™ films. Patrice Dubois and Martin Labrecque, try to grasp and communicate the essence of Welles the man and, more important, Welles the legend. In order to take on such tasks both had to become â€œWellesianâ€ themselves: versatile, multifaceted, politicized craftsmen. Winner of the 2005 Masque for Outstanding Montreal Production, Everybodyâ€™s Welles(pour tous plays May 3 at 20:00 in French and May 4-5 at 20:00 in English at Ottawa University Academic Hall. Tickets are available at NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: Adults $20, Students $15. JoÃ«l Beddows directs Claude Gauvreauâ€™s Les Entrailles coproduced by Quebec Scene and ThÃ©Ã¢tre la Catapulte. One day, fantastical poemsâ€™ writer FrÃ©dÃ©ric Chir de Houppelande decides to present his work as a stage show, a magical dance of cadavers, a young girl, a bitter soldier, the eternal figure of the Creator, and Man and Woman wounding each other. The stories they tell are strangely familiar: timeless tales of humanity and simplicity, all conveyed by Chir de Houppelandeâ€™s transcendent verses. Les Entrailles is playing at La Nouvelle ScÃ¨ne in French only from April 18-28 at 20:00. Tickets are available at the Nouvelle ScÃ¨ne Box Office at 613.241.2727, ext. 1. Price: Adults $26.50, Seniors $21.50, Students $16.50 Carte LibertÃ© holders: Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10. In addition, Quebec Scene partners present more French programming. Avaler la mer et les poissons, written and performed by Sylvie Drapeau and Isabelle Vincent, is presented at Maison de la Culture de Gatineau, OdysÃ©e Hall April 20-21. The National Arts Centre French Theatre in collaboration with Quebec Scene is proud to present the world premiere of LÃ¨vres, created, directed and performed by Pierre Lebeau at the National Arts Centre Theatre May 1-5. Family Theatre is also on the agenda. Quebec Scene is proud to copresent with ThÃ©Ã¢tre la Catapulte the colourful and imaginative adaptation of Oscar Wildeâ€™s short story Le FantÃ´me de Canterville as well as Wajdi Mouawadâ€™s AssoiffÃ©s both playing at La Nouvelle ScÃ¨ne May 1 and May 4-5 respectively. More family theatre is presented by The National Arts Centre French Theatre with Suzanne Lebeauâ€™s Contes dâ€™Enfants RÃ©els at the National Arts Centre Studio April 21-22 as well as Mika, Lâ€™Enfant Pleureur at Salle Jean-DesprÃ©z April 22. Tickets for all Quebec Scene events are on sale now. For detailed information on how to purchase tickets on-line, by phone or in-person, as well as for more detailed information on all the Quebec Scene shows and events, please consult the event website at www.quebecscene.ca. The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges support by Major Sponsor SAQ, Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz Metro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBCâ€™s Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Ã‰nergie, Rock DÃ©tente, Gesca LimitÃ©e, notably through La Presse and Le Droit, the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of QuÃ©bec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, and particular thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier. -30- For more information please contact: Whitney Zelmer Knock on Wood Communications + Events 613.236.8452 Mobile: 613.864.9571 whitney@kowpr.com

FROM NEW EMERGING TALENT TO A JUNO AWARD NOMINEE

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

[Ottawa, Ontario â€“ April, 2007] â€“ The classical music scene in Quebec is full of young, emerging talent and world renowned musicians. Quebec Scene has tapped into that broad range of talent and is bringing a sample of it to Ottawa to perform at various venues throughout the city. These performances will include the following artists: Friday, April 20th at 20:00, Dominion Chalmers United Church hosts Louis Lortie and HÃ©lÃ¨ne Mercier. These 2 great pianists have released 2 recordings together in addition to their numerous individual releases . Lortie, a favourite of local audiences, has been named Officer of the Order of Canada, received both the Order of Quebec and an honorary doctorate from Laval University and now regularly teaches at Italyâ€™s renowned piano institute at Imola. HÃ©lÃ¨ne Mercier has garnered critical praise including a three star rating and a rosette from the Penguin Guide. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: Adults $30, Students $15. Saturday, April 21st at 20:00, the Auditorium of the National Gallery of Canada will be the place to be for classical music lovers looking to see something new and exciting. With critics raving about Alexandre DaCostaâ€™s evident passion on the violin and the Washington Postâ€™s compliments about pianist Wonny Song, this dynamic duo will please audiences with their energy and impeccable technique. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: Adults $25, Students $12.50. Monday, April 30th at 20:00, the National Gallery Auditorium hosts the McGill Chamber Orchestra. As one of Canadaâ€™s most prestigious classical ensembles, MCO has attracted some of Montrealâ€™s finest musicians and has therefore maintained the highest performance standards. Boris Brott brings his international experience as a conductor and is joined by lyric tenor Gidion Aelermyer. They will perform works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky and MCO founding director Alexander Brott. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: Adults $25, Students $12.50. Wednesday, May 2nd at 20:00, I Musici de MontrÃ©al Chamber Orchestra will perform under the baton of its founding director Yuli Turovsky at the Dominion Chalmers United Church. This talented 15-member ensemble is accustomed to receiving rave reviews on all their world performances. With over 100 concerts every year they have become a true gem on Quebecâ€™s classical music scene. PLEASE ADD PROGRAM Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: Adults $30, Students $15. Wednesday, May 2nd at 20:00, Constantinople will bring its Terra Nostra project that explores 17th century Mexican music, to Library and Archives Canada Auditorium. This group interprets the songs from the middle ages and the renaissance and draws on its own knowledge of classical Persian and ancient European music to create a rich and lively blend all of their own. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: $20. Thursday, May 3rd at 20:00 brings the Juno Award nominee Alain LefÃ¨vre and his incredible piano talent to the Dominion Chalmers United Church. Alain has won first prize at the Canadian Music Competition an amazing nine times. The Montreal Gazette claims â€œAlain LefÃ¨vre has a genial and outgoing talent. He lives every measure of the music, and draws his audience into a warm partnershipâ€. LefÃ¨vre will perform a selection of Schubert, Boudreau, Rachmaninov, Prokofiev and Quebec composer AndrÃ© Mathieu. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: Adults $30, Students $15. Friday, May 4th at 20:00, four inspired pianists take the stage at the National Gallery Auditorium for a concert of works for two, four and eight hands. Playing solo, Jimmy BriÃ¨re will perform Rachmaninov, Jean Desmarais will play BartÃ³k, Bertand and Debussy, Maneli Pirzadeh will offer Chopin and Liszt and David Jalbert will honour FaurÃ© and Sciabin. The musicians will pair up to perform piano duets and all four will take part in the dazzling finale: The Fantasia for Eight Hands based on themes from Bizetâ€™s Carmen. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: Adults $25, Students $12.50. Friday, May 4th at 20:00, at the Library and Archives Canada Auditorium Liu Fang winner of the prestigious 2006 Coup de Coeur Award for outstanding recording, will delight audiences with her graceful performances on the pipa and the Guzheng sitar. La Presse has said that â€œLiu Fang is without a doubt the greatest ambassador of the art of the pipa in North America and Europeâ€. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office, Ticketmaster: 613.755.1111, online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Price: $20. Tickets for all Quebec Scene events are on sale now. For detailed information on how to purchase tickets on-line, by phone or in-person, as well as for more detailed information on all the Quebec Scene shows and events, please consult the event website at www.quebecscene.ca. The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges support by Major Sponsor SAQ, Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz Metro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBCâ€™s Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Ã‰nergie, Rock DÃ©tente, Gesca LimitÃ©e, notably through La Presse and Le Droit, the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of QuÃ©bec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, and particular thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier. -30- For more information please contact: Whitney Zelmer Knock on Wood Communications + Events 613.236.8452 Mobile: 613.864.9571 whitney@kowpr.com

CLASSICAL MUSIC AT NOON HOUR

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

[Ottawa, Ontario â€“ April, 2007] â€“ The noon-hour lunch-time concert series in the beautiful Rideau Chapel at the National Gallery met with such success when it took place during Alberta Scene that Quebec Scene will run a similar series from April 24 â€“ May 4th with a selection of talented and diverse performers. Tuesday, April 24th at noon, rising cello star Audrey Nadeau takes the stage of the Rideau Chapel. One of eight cellists accepted into this yearâ€™s world renowned New York String Orchestra Seminar directed by Jaime Laredo, Audrey will perform works by Schubert (Arpeggione Sonata in A major, D 821), Dvorak (Cello Concerto in B minor, Opus 104) and Malcolm Forsyth (Eclectic Suite for Cello and Piano). Thursday, May 3rd at noon brings the Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3). With guitarists Glenn Levesque, Marc Morin and Sebastien Dufour comes a group that combines both a passionate virtuosity with a sense of humour. This trio has become well known for a blend of music forms from classical to jazz to world music. Their program includes pieces from FÃ©lix Leclerc and Ennio Morricone to hot rumba and tango rhythms together with Glennâ€™s original compositions. On Friday, May 4th at noon Ensemble Caprice, under the artistic direction of Matthias Maute and Sophie LariviÃ¨re, will play the Chapel stage. The ensemble is renowned for its innovative interpretations of baroque music and has created its own concert series at Redpath Hall in Montreal. It was recently nominated for the Conseil QuÃ©bÃ©cois de la Musique's prestigious Prix Opus award in three different categories, including best early music concert and CD. Tickets for all of the above are available for $10 at the NAC Box Office, calling 613-755-1111 or online at www.quebecscene.ca or at the door one hour before show time. Tickets for all Quebec Scene events are on sale now. For detailed information on how to purchase tickets on-line, by phone or in-person, as well as for more detailed information on all the Quebec Scene shows and events, please consult the event website at www.quebecscene.ca. The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges support by Major Sponsor SAQ, Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz Metro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBCâ€™s Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Ã‰nergie, Rock DÃ©tente, Gesca LimitÃ©e, notably through La Presse and Le Droit, the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of QuÃ©bec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, and particular thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier. -30- For more information please contact: Whitney Zelmer Knock on Wood Communications + Events 613.236.8452 Mobile: 613.864.9571 whitney@kowpr.com

7 Fingers Returns to Ottawa with LOFT

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Quebec Scene brings this new age circus to Centrepointe Theatre May 4 - 5 after rave reviews for the French production. [Ottawa, Ontario â€“ April, 2007] â€“ After rave reviews in 2006 with the French version of â€œles 7 doigts de la mainâ€ and a 2007 production of TRACES, 7 Fingers is bringing their innovative and exciting circus back to Ottawa with LOFT for an English speaking audience. This production will delight audiences of 7 and older at Centrepointe Theatre May 4th and 5th. Created, directed and performed by Shana Carroll, Isabelle ChassÃ©, Patrick LÃ©onard, Faon Shane, Gypsy Snider, SÃ©bastien Soldevila and Samuel TÃ©treault and produced by 7 Fingers, LOFT is a mix of intimate theatre, avant-garde choreography, and breathtaking musical performance. Imagine a slightly messy loft apartment, where seven easygoing housemates pause in their comings and goings to offer a warm welcome. Hmmm: now thereâ€™s a DJ at the turntable, and a good-natured young fellow is trying to climb a staircase that obstinately resists his efforts; meanwhile, a young woman is snatched up and whisked into the air by a tablecloth. Realization hits, everyday life is full of unexpected mysteries and this new age circus brings them to life. This year, 7 Fingers brought back a Gold Medal from the 28th Edition of the prestigious Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, which took place from the 1st to the 4th of February, 2007, in Paris, France. Truly the â€œOlympic Games of Circusâ€, the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain (the International Circus Festival of Tomorrow) is an international competition featuring the worldâ€™s best circus acts from all over the world including Germany, Canada, China, the United States, France, Russia, and the Ukraine. Tickets are available at Centrepointe Theatre Box Office, calling 613-580-2700 or online at www.centrepointetheatre.com . Price: Adults $37.75 / Youth (17 and under) $22.75 (plus Capital Renewal Fund fee) Tickets for all Quebec Scene events are on sale now. For detailed information on how to purchase tickets on-line, by phone or in-person, as well as for more detailed information on all the Quebec Scene shows and events, please consult the event website at www.quebecscene.ca. The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges support by Major Sponsor SAQ, Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz Metro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBCâ€™s Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Ã‰nergie, Rock DÃ©tente, Gesca LimitÃ©e, notably through La Presse and Le Droit, the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of QuÃ©bec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, and particular thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier. - 30 â€“ For more information please contact: Whitney Zelmer Knock on Wood Communications + Events 613-236-8452 Cell â€“ 613-864-9571 whitney@kowpr.com

“BATTLE OF THE BANDS” IMPROV MATCH

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ottawa, April 16, 2007 â€“ If youâ€™re a fan of music jams, youâ€™re in for a treat on Monday, April 30 at 20:00 in the National Arts Centre (NAC) Fourth Stage. Thatâ€™s Quebec Sceneâ€™s musical improv night, when talented musicians from around the province battle it out in a no-holds-barred competitionâ€¦ and you, the audience, are the judges! Guest commentators will be none other than Alan Neal, host of CBCâ€™s Bandwidth and Fuse, and Robert Fontaine, CBCâ€™s All in a Dayâ€™s film reviewer. Our fearless competitors are: AndrÃ©e Bilodeau (Les Batinses) Mathieu Girard (Les Batinses) Alain Baril (Les Batinses) Andy Stewart (Les Batinses) Martien BÃ©langer (Ex-Machina, Robert Lepageâ€™s theatre company) Paul Deslauriers Sam Harrison (Paul Deslauriers) GrÃ©goire Morency (Paul Deslauriers) Jean-Denis Levasseur (Orchestre des pas perdus) Josiane Laberge (PolÃ©mil Bazar) Under the eagle eye of a referee, the musicians, divided into two teams, will spare no effort in blasting out bold, creative and high-energy performances that will get them the audience vote. Tickets: $15 On sale at the NAC Box Office (in person only), through Ticketmaster (at all Ticketmaster outlets or by â€˜phone, 613.755.1111), or online at www.quebecscene.ca. By way of a sneak previewâ€¦ The Paul Deslauriers Band with special guest Dawn Tyler Watson will be performing at the Rainbow in Ottawa, April 28 at 21:00. Tickets: $15 On sale at the NAC Box Office (in person only), through Ticketmaster (at all Ticketmaster outlets or by â€˜phone, 613.755.1111), online at www.quebecscene.ca, and at the door 1 hour before showtime. The eclectic and genre-bending Les Batinses will be in concert at the Canadian Museum of Civilization (Theatre), April 29 at 14:00. Tickets: $18 On sale at the NAC Box Office (in person only), through Ticketmaster (at all Ticketmaster outlets or by â€˜phone, 613.755.1111), online at www.quebecscene.ca, and at the CMC box office. 700 artists, 100 events, 16 days! The â€œBattle of the Bandsâ€ is just one event in Quebec Sceneâ€™s exciting lineup featuring more than 100 performances in 16 days. Over 700 Quebec artists accepted the National Arts Centreâ€™s invitation to take part in this exuberant cultural celebration, making it the largest-ever gathering of Quebec artists outside the province. Bold, eclectic and innovative, Quebec Sceneâ€™s multidisciplinary (and multilingual!) programme ranges from theatre, literature and storytelling, and visual and media arts to circus and street art, comedy, film, and culinary arts. Tickets for all Quebec Scene events are now on sale! Visit the event website at www.quebecscene.ca for detailed information on how to purchase tickets online, by phone or in person, as well as detailed information on all Quebec Scene shows and events. The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of our Major Sponsor SAQ and Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz MÃ©tro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBCâ€™s Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Ã‰nergie, Rock DÃ©tente, Gesca LimitÃ©e (particularly La Presse and Le Droit), National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec, and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, with special thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier -30- For more information, please contact: Eveline Ferland Press AttachÃ©e, Music Feveline@yahoo.fr 514.250.9968 Chantal Dufresne Communications Officer, Quebec Scene commdufresne@videotron.ca 514.844.9554

CULINARY ARTS ARE ON THE MENU AT THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE’S QUEBEC SCENE

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ottawa, April 4, 2007 â€“ Canadaâ€™s National Arts Centre (NAC) is pleased to announce the Culinary Arts segment of Quebec Scene, April 20 to May 5 in Ottawa Gatineau. This exuberant multidisciplinary celebration of Quebec culture will feature over 700 artists and 100 events. Over the last decade, gastronomy has established itself as a key part of Quebec culture. Quebec chefs have built a solid national and international reputation for their skill in marrying traditional regional cuisine with new and creative influences from elsewhere. Quebec Scene serves up a delicious programme of events to highlight Quebecâ€™s culinary artists, products and producers. Daniel VÃ©zina, owner and chef of Quebec Cityâ€™s acclaimed Laurie RaphaÃ«l and food columnist for La Presse, will be your host at an elegant and exquisite dinner for 60. Heâ€™ll be at the National Arts Centre on Thursday, April 26 at 18:30 to prepare a sumptuous gourmet meal that reflects his ideal of a cuisine thatâ€™s contemporary, inclusive and diverse. The appetizersâ€”ceviche of Princess scallops from the Magdalen Islands, sugar-shack style foie gras, and maple-lacquered smoked salmon with cucumber pickle - are just the introduction to a wonderful meal! Seating for this colourful and delicious event is limited to 60. The complete menu is available on the Quebec Scene website, www.quebecscene.ca. Tickets: $100, on sale at the NAC Box Office (in person only), through Ticketmaster (at all Ticketmaster outlets or by â€˜phone, 613 755 1111), or online at www.quebecscene.ca. On Friday, May 4 at 18:30, Normand Lapriseâ€”chef at ToquÃ©! in Montreal, hailed as one of North Americaâ€™s finest restaurantsâ€” will reveal some of his culinary secrets. A fervent promoter of Quebec's regional food products and the artisans who supply them, Normand has inspired a whole generation of Quebec chefs. Heâ€™ll share a few culinary tips and tricks at a lecture presented in association with Ottawa's Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. And lest the audience feel peckish, the talk will be complemented by delectable canapÃ©s inspired by the menu at ToquÃ©! Tickets: $25, on sale at the NAC Box Office (in person only), through Ticketmaster (at all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone, 613 755 1111), online at www.quebecscene.ca, and at the door 1 hour before the lecture (Le Cordon Bleu, 453 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa). For the duration of the festival, the NACâ€™s award-winning restaurant, Le CafÃ©, will offer a special menu featuring Quebec regional dishes and products. A few examples to whet your appetite: Scallops Ã lâ€™unilatÃ©rale (from the menu of Chasse et PÃªche, Montreal); millefeuille of pear and maple sabayon ice (Cuisine et dÃ©pendance, Montreal); cream of Jerusalem artichokes and duck liver pÃ¢tÃ© (Lâ€™Initiale, Quebec City); brown-sugar fudge pudding (Robin des Bois, Montreal); and haunch of Inuit caribou (Le Saint Amour, Quebec City). Come on a gastronomical tour of Quebec without ever leaving the table! In addition, restaurants throughout the Ottawa Gatineau region are on board, with no fewer than 17 establishments offering special Quebec-themed menus showcasing the creativity of the provinceâ€™s leading chefs and culinary artisans. From the â€œQuebec Scene burgerâ€ at The WORKS to the multi-course gourmet feast at Lâ€™OrÃ©e du Bois, thereâ€™s something to tempt every palate! A complete list of participating restaurants is available on the festival website, www.quebecscene.ca. Last but not least, Loblaws and the Real Canadian Superstore have agreed to partner with Quebec Scene to present special Quebec-themed cooking classes at their in-store cooking schools. Chef Erick LePors will share his tricks and secrets for a special Quebec dinner. Tickets are available by contacting local stores directly: May 1 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Real Canadian Superstore in Orleans, 4270 Innes Road May 2 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Loblaws, 1980 Blair Road, Gloucester May 3 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Loblaws, 100 McArthur Road, Vanier The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges support by Major Sponsor SAQ, Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz Metro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBCâ€™s Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Ã‰nergie, Rock DÃ©tente, Gesca LimitÃ©e, notably through La Presse and Le Droit, the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of QuÃ©bec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, and particular thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier. -30- For more information, please contact: Chantal Dufresne Communications Officer, Quebec Scene commdufresne@videotron.ca 514.844.9554

QUEBEC MUSIC STRIKES A RESOUNDING CHORD

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ottawa, April 2, 2007 â€“ From some of the biggest names in Quebec music to dynamic young artists just getting their start, all are featured at Quebec Scene, the National Arts Centre (NAC)â€™s exuberant celebration of Quebec culture, April 20 to May 5 in Ottawa Gatineau. From folk to funk, Celtic to Caribbean and jive to jazz, the festival offers something for every musical taste! Because of their busy tour schedules, most of these internationally sought-after artists are very hard to pin down, so weâ€™re especially thrilled to welcome them to Quebec Scene. Hereâ€™s a sample of the concert line-up: The Stills, Karkwa, The Besnard Lakes and Mahjor Bidet (CBC Radio 3 / Bande Ã part Event) April 27 at the Capital Music Hall in Ottawa. A one-of-a-kind concert featuring some of the hottest acts on the music circuit! Tickets: $25 Available at the NAC Box Office (in person only), through Ticketmaster (at all Ticketmaster outlets or by â€˜phone, 613.755.1111), online at www.quebecscene.ca, and at the door 1 hour before showtime. Vulgaires Machins, GrimSkunk, Arseniq33 and Le volume Ã©tait au maximum (Bande Ã part Event) May 5 at the Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau. A punk rock extravaganza! Tickets: $25 (floor), $20 (seats) Available at the Robert Guertin Arena Box Office (125 Carillon Street, Gatineau) or through Reservatech (1.877.545.3330 or online at www.reservatech.net). Electro Night at Barrymoreâ€™s Music Hall with Plaster, Ghislain Poirier, Stephen BeauprÃ© and Lesbians on Ecstasy (Espace Musique Event) April 21 Tickets: $22 Available at the NAC Box Office (in person only), through Ticketmaster (at all Ticketmaster outlets or by â€˜phone, 613.755.1111), online at www.quebecscene.ca, and at the door 1 hour before showtime. Ensemble Romulo Larrea and Tango First Century April 25 at the National Arts Centre (Theatre). The feel-good dance show that took New York City by storm! Tickets: Adults from $25, Students from $13.75 Available at the NAC Box Office (in person only), through Ticketmaster (at all Ticketmaster outlets or by â€˜phone, 613.755.1111), and online at www.quebecscene.ca. Featured jazz and blues artists include the great Oliver Jones, Quatuor AndrÃ© Leroux in a tribute to John Coltrane, the Jean FranÃ§ois Groulx Trio, the Lorraine Desmarais Trio, Daniel Thouin, Paul Deslauriers with Dawn Tyler Watson, and many more. And then there are the genre-benders like Jorane, Alexis Oâ€™Hara, Chantal Dumas, and Quebec Cityâ€™s Battle of the Bandsâ€¦ The list goes on! The packed programme also includes Les Trois Accords, Les Breastfeeders, Xavier CafÃ©ine, Ariane Moffatt, Karen Young, Torngat, the Stephen Barry Band, Boogat, Lindsay Ferguson, Afrodizz, Samina with Harold Faustin, TaÃ¯ma, Les Batinses, Labess, Thomas Hellman, and more! Full details are available on the Quebec Scene website, www.quebecscene.ca. 700 artists, 100 events, 16 days! These world music evenings are just a small part of Quebec Sceneâ€™s exciting lineup, featuring over 700 Quebec artists in 100 performances over 16 daysâ€”the largest-ever gathering of Quebec artists outside the province. Bold, eclectic and innovative, Quebec Sceneâ€™s multidisciplinary (and multilingual!) programme ranges from theatre, literature and storytelling, and visual and media arts to circus and street art, comedy, film, and culinary arts. Tickets for all Quebec Scene events are on sale now. For detailed information on how to purchase tickets on-line, by phone or in-person, as well as for more detailed information on all the Quebec Scene shows and events, please consult the event website at www.quebecscene.ca. The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of our Major Sponsor SAQ and Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz MÃ©tro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBCâ€™s Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Ã‰nergie, Rock DÃ©tente, Gesca LimitÃ©e (particularly La Presse and Le Droit), National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec, and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, with special thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier. -30- For more information, please contact: Eveline Ferland Press AttachÃ©e, Music Feveline@yahoo.fr 514.250.9968 Chantal Dufresne Communications Officer, Quebec Scene commdufresne@videotron.ca 514.844.9554

WORLD MUSIC NIGHTS AT QUEBEC SCENE

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ottawa, April 3, 2007 â€“ Quebec Scene, the regional cultural festival organized by Canadaâ€™s National Arts Centre, is pleased to present the World Music segment of this exciting multidisciplinary celebration, coming up April 20 to May 5, 2007 in Ottawa Gatineau. Featuring over 700 artists and 100 events over 16 days, Quebec Scene will shine the spotlight on Quebecâ€™s rich, diverse and exuberant arts and culture community. A musical world tour! Calling all world music fans! Check out the lineup of outstanding artists performing at various venues in Ottawa Gatineau. Paulo Ramos (Brazil) April 20, 20:00 Library and Archives Canada, Auditorium $20 Rather than attempting to reinvent Brazilian popular music, this charismatic guitarist and singer/songwriter aspires to master its authenticity. Sweet sensuality and incandescent energy! Monica Freire (Brazil) April 23, 20:00 National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage $20 Monica enhances the traditional samba and bossa nova of her native country with a subtle electronic spin! Romulo Larrea (Uruguay) April 25, 19:30 National Arts Centre, Theatre Regular from $25 / Students from $13.75 This popular septet will have you swaying to the elegant rhythm of the tango, one of the 20th centuryâ€™s most beautiful dances. TaÃ¯ma (Northern Quebec) April 27, 20:00 Library and Archives Canada, Auditorium $20 A meeting of fire and ice, humanity and nature, in songs that will touch your heart, your soul and your spirit. In French, English and Inuktitut. Carlos Placeres, Joaquin Diaz and Caridad Cruz (Cuba/Dominican Republic) April 28, 21:00 Barrymoreâ€™s Music Hall $22 An instant Latin fiesta! Cuban â€œtrovadorâ€ Carlos Placeres shares the stage with lightning-fingered Dominican accordion virtuoso Joaquin Diaz and Ottawaâ€™s Cuban diva Caridad Cruz. Zal Idrissa Sissokho (Senegal) April 28, 21:00 Black Sheep Inn $10 Proud of his heritage as a Sissokho (men who have passed down the history of Africaâ€™s Mandinka people since the dawn of time), this young composer and singer plays the kora (a 21-string African harp) and a large bass drum called a thioug. Nedjim Bouizzoul and Labess (Algeria) May 1, 20:00 National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage $15 Music that reveals the beauty and depth of a repertoire that fuses Gypsy rumba and flamenco with gnawa, chaabi, and other traditional North African rhythms. Constantinople May 2, 20:00 Library and Archives Canada, Auditorium $20 A fresh and creative take on mediaeval and Renaissance music from the Mediterranean Basin. Florent Vollant Trio (First Nations/Quebec) 2 mai, 20 h Maison du Citoyen, Salle Jean-DesprÃ©z $15 Florent Vollant embodies both an attachment to traditional Amerindian values and a thirst for new forms. Afrodizz, Colectivo May 4, 21:00 Babylon $18 One show, two acts: the eight members of Afrodizz create an irresistible groove with the ambiance of a Nigerian cabaret, while Colectivoâ€”a dozen musicians from Montrealâ€™s alternative sceneâ€”whips up a sizzling Mexican fiesta. Liu Fang (China) May 4, 20:00 Library and Archives Canada, Auditorium $20 A virtuoso of the pipa and the Guzheng sitar, this graceful performer caresses her instrument to release delicately expressive, ethereal melodies. Samina and Harold Faustin May 5, 20:00 National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage $15 With a warm, enveloping voice that packs plenty of feeling, this elegant and enigmatic MÃ©tis singer is backed by prestigious jazzman Harold Faustin in an easy, smooth performance thatâ€™s pure pleasure for your ears. 700 artists, 100 events, 16 days! These world music evenings are just a small part of Quebec Sceneâ€™s exciting lineup, featuring over 700 Quebec artists in 100 performances over 16 daysâ€”the largest-ever gathering of Quebec artists outside the province. Bold, eclectic and innovative, Quebec Sceneâ€™s multidisciplinary (and multilingual!) programme ranges from theatre, literature and storytelling, and visual and media arts to circus and street art, comedy, film, and culinary arts. For more information about world music shows and other Quebec Scene events, visit the festival website at www.quebecscene.ca. Tickets for all shows are available in person at the NAC Box Office, through Ticketmaster at 613.755.1111, or online www.quebecscene.ca with the exception of events held at the blacksheep (www.theblacksheepinn.com). The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of our Major Sponsor SAQ and Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz MÃ©tro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan. Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Interinvest, Galaxie:The CBCâ€™s Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel. Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Ã‰nergie, Rock DÃ©tente, Gesca LimitÃ©e (particularly La Presse and Le Droit), National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec, and the Canada Council for the Arts. The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture and especially Quebec artists, with special thanks to Honorary Chairs Yves and Carol Fortier. -30- For more information, please contact: Eveline Ferland Press AttachÃ©e, Music Feveline@yahoo.fr 514.250.9968 Chantal Dufresne Communications Officer, Quebec Scene commdufresne@videotron.ca 514.844.9554

The National Arts Centre announces Quebec Scene closing show: GREGORY CHARLES By Special Request / Sur demande spéciale

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ottawa, March 12, 2007 â€” The National Arts Centre (NAC) is delighted to announce that Gregory Charlesâ€™ live show, By Special Request/Sur demande spÃ©ciale, has been added to the Quebec Scene programming lineup for one performance only. The show will close the festival on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 20:00 in Southam Hall. In this exuberant bilingual presentation, master showman Gregory Charles performs favourites from his extensive repertoire of songs as well as special requests from the audience. Tickets for this amazing one-man show go on sale at 10:00 tomorrow, Tuesday, March 13. Phenomenon. Virtuoso. Insatiable artist. It's hard to find enough superlatives to describe Gregory Charles! Musician, dancer, singer, radio and TV host, and actor, not to mention music and history teacher, this incredibly versatile performer keeps popping up in the most unexpected places. His one-man show Black and White reached over 200,000 fans in Canada and in the United States; its resounding success confirmed his status as a "showman" in the finest American tradition, embracing blues, soul and French chanson with equal ease and skill. Quebec Scene is proud to present Gregory Charles live at the NACâ€™s Southam Hall, Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 20:00. Ticket prices are $50, $60 and $70. Tickets on sale March 13 at 10:00 at the NAC Box Office (in person only), by mail or by fax to 613-947-7112 (a service charge of $3 per ticket applies on mail and fax orders); or through Ticketmaster: at all Ticketmaster outlets, by telephone (613-755-1111), or online through the Quebec Scene website, www.quebecscene.ca (a service charge applies to all Ticketmaster purchases). Groups or 10 or more save up to 20% off regular ticket prices to all NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances! For information and reservations, call (613) 947-7000, ext. 384 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca. -30- For more information about the Quebec Scene, please contact: Chantal Dufresne 514-844-9554 e-mail : commdufresne@videotron.ca or Jayne Watson Director of Communications and Public Affairs National Arts Centre 613-947-7000, ext. 260 e-mail : jwatson@nac-cna.ca

National Arts Centre's Quebec Scene celebrates province's renowned and rising stars

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Festival features 700 artists and more than 100 events, including world premieres, Quebec Scene co-productions and specially commissioned visual arts exhibition

OTTAWA -- The National Arts Centre today revealed the line-up for Quebec Scene, a festival featuring 700 of Quebec's most talented and exciting artists in what promises to be the largest-ever gathering of Quebec artists outside the province.

From April 20 to May 5, audiences will have the unique opportunity to experience the best of the Quebec arts scene and be captivated by the province's artists in more than 40 venues in Ottawa-Gatineau. Music, theatre, dance, visual and media arts, film, circus, storytelling and literature, humour, street and culinary arts-Quebec Scene will have it all.

Part of a series of festivals exploring Canada's cultural panorama, Quebec Scene will celebrate a dynamic culture-a culture that combines the old and the new, traditions and new technologies, the established and the emerging.

The line-up includes, among many others:

Dance companies and artists La La La Human Steps, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de MontrÃ©al, Hinda Essadiqi and Dave St-Pierre;

Theatre productions and artists LÃ¨vres by Pierre Lebeau, 4D art's production of Norman, Les Entrailles by Claude Gauvreau, King Dave by Alexandre Goyette, The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios by Infinitheatre and Wajdi Mouawad's Scorched ;

Musical groups and artists Ariane Moffatt, Richard Desjardins, Oliver Jones, Lorraine Desmarais, Les Breastfeeders, Torngat, Vulgaires Machins, The Stills, Patrick Watson, Boogat, Daniel Thouin, Karkwa, the Montreal Jubilation Choir & the Jubilation Big Band, Starmania Symphonique, Kent Nagano and the Orchestre symphonique de MontrÃ©al, Yoav Talmi and the Orchestre symphonique de QuÃ©bec and Louis Lortie;

Literary and storytelling artists Yann Martel, Neil Bissoondath and Jean Barbe, and Michel Faubert;

Visual and Media artists Jean-Pierre AubÃ©, Pascal Grandmaison, Michel de Broin, BGL, Suzanne Bergeron, Nelson Hendricks, Alanis Obomsawin, Mattiusi Iyaituk;

Filmmakers Norman McLaren, Anthony Sherwood and Torill Kove;

Circus, humour and culinary artists featuring The 7 Fingers (les 7 doigts de la main), Juste Pour Rire, Norman Laprise and Daniel VÃ©zina.

â€œQuebec Scene will be a huge event for the National Arts Centre,â€ said NAC President and CEO Peter Herrndorf. â€œWe are incredibly proud to be showcasing 700 Quebec artists during the festival, and I have no doubt that audiences will be dazzled by the imagination, creativity and talent coming out of Quebec.â€

â€œThe arts scene in Quebec is incredibly vibrant and filled with passion,â€ said Heather Moore, Producer and Executive Director of the Quebec Scene. â€œAll of these artists are known and loved in Quebec, but that's not necessarily the case in the rest of Canada. To be able to showcase these artists to new audiences is an enormous privilege and a reason for all of us to celebrate.â€

Quebec Scene is the third in a series of national festivals produced by the NAC. Quebec Scene was preceded by Atlantic Scene in 2003 and Alberta Scene in 2005, both of which exposed artists to new audiences, drew unprecedented media coverage and together resulted in more than 230 future bookings for Scene artists.

With more than 90 invited international and national agents and presenters attending, Quebec Scene will give its artists the opportunity to cast their spell on the rest of the world through future engagements.

PREMIERES
Quebec Scene will feature an exciting mix of new works by some of Quebec's most sought-after creators, with the following being co-produced by Quebec Scene: A little tenderness for crying out loud! by choreographer Dave St-Pierre, Norman, a live fusion of theatre and film based on Quebec filmmaker Norman McLaren produced by 4D art, Les Entrailles by Claude Gauvreau, directed by JoÃ«l Beddows and produced by ThÃ©Ã¢tre La Catapulte, and the nomadic theatre experience of Welcome toâ€¦ (a city where you are a tourist) by Olivier ChoiniÃ¨re, presented in association with ThÃ©Ã¢tre de la Vieille 17.

Other Quebec Scene premieres include the opening night and performance of the latest creation by La La La Human Steps, Scorched by Wajdi Mouawad (the premiere of the English version of the play Incendies), and LÃ¨vres by Pierre Lebeau, in collaboration with BenoÃ®t Charest.

Quebec Scene has also commissioned Making Real, a major visual and media arts exhibition that explores the artist's relationship to reality. Curated by Montreal's Marie Fraser and presented in collaboration with the National Capital Commission, Making Real features site-specific works specially created or adapted for a brand new space in a former bank at 106 Sparks Street. Among the 13 artists featured in the exhibit are Jean-Pierre AubÃ©, Pascal Grandmaison, Nadia Myre, RaphaÃ«lle de Groot and Ãˆve K. Tremblay.

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges support by Program Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz Metro, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Bombardier and Alcan.

Supporting sponsors are Canril Corporation, Galaxie:The CBC's Continuous Music Network, the National Capital Commission and the Lord Elgin Hotel.

Media partners include Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, Gesca LimitÃ©e, notably through La Presse, Le Soleil and Le Droit, the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen.

Government partners are the Government of Canada, the Government of QuÃ©bec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec and the Canada Council for the Arts.

The performance venues include Arts Court; AXENÃ‰O7; Babylon; Barrymore's Music Hall; Canadian Museum of Civilization; Capital Music Hall; blacksheep; Centrepointe Theatre; City Hall Art Gallery (Ottawa); Club SAW; DAÃMÃ•N; Dominion-Chalmers United Church; Galerie Montcalm; Gallery 101; Great Canadian Theatre Company; Karsh-Masson Gallery; La Nouvelle ScÃ¨ne; Library and Archives Canada; Maison de la culture de Gatineau; National Gallery of Canada; Rideau Hall; Robert-Guertin Arena; Salle Jean-DesprÃ©z; Salle La Basoche; SAW Gallery; SAW Video; The Ottawa Art Gallery; The Rainbow and the University of Ottawa, Academic Hall.

QUEBEC SCENE PRESENTERS' PROGRAM
The presenters' program is one of the most important aspects to the artists of Quebec Scene. The Presenters' Program helps emerging and established artists further their careers by inviting domestic and international arts presenters to attend Quebec Scene and seek out new talent and touring productions for audiences beyond the 16-day festival. Thanks to the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, 90 domestic and international arts presenters will attend Quebec Scene. So far, representatives from Canada, Europe, Asia, South America, New Zealand have all confirmed their attendance.

Tickets for all Quebec Scene events are on sale now. For detailed information on how to purchase tickets on-line, by phone or in-person, as well as for more detailed information on all the Quebec Scene shows and events, please consult the event website at www.quebecscene.ca.

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For more information:
Chantal Dufresne
Communications Officer
Quebec Scene
Tel. (514) 844-9554
Cell: (514) 918-8271
commdufresne@videotron.ca

Jayne Watson
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
National Arts Centre
Tel. (613) 947-7000 x 260
Cell: (613) 791-5697
jwatson@nac-cna.ca

National Arts Centre adds the symphonic version of the rock opera Starmania to Quebec Scene event programme

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Tickets go on sale Monday, November 20 at 10:00

Ottawa -- The National Arts Centre (NAC) is proud to announce that the symphonic version of Starmania with the National Arts Centre Orchestra has been added to the event schedule for Quebec Scene, for one performance only: Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 20:00 in the NACâ€™s Southam Hall. Tickets for this mega-concert will go on sale on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 10:00.

This is the first Ottawa engagement of this amazing production, which premiered at Montrealâ€™s Place des Arts with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, opened the 2005 Festival dâ€™Ã©tÃ© de QuÃ©bec on the Plains of Abraham with the Orchestre symphonique de QuÃ©bec, and thrilled audiences at eight performances at the Palais des CongrÃ¨s in Paris, France with the Orchestre de lâ€™OpÃ©ra de Paris. The cast includes some of the brightest stars in Quebecâ€™s vocal galaxyâ€”soprano Marie-JosÃ©e Lord (Marie-Jeanne), young coloratura soprano RaphaÃ«lle Paquette (Cristal), lyric soprano Lyne Fortin (Stella Spotlight), tenor Marc Hervieux (ZÃ©ro Janvier) and mezzo-soprano RenÃ©e Lapointe (Sadia)â€”as well as such impressive emerging talents as baritones Ã‰tienne Dupuis (Johnny Rockford) and Dominique CÃ´tÃ© (Ziggy). Backed by a chorus, they will perform 16 numbers from the score of the original rock opera Starmania.

Written by Luc Plamondon and Michel Berger, the rock opera Starmania recently marked its 25th anniversary. The symphonic version, created to celebrate that milestone, was first performed in the fall of 2004 to a crowd of enthusiastic fans. Accompanied by a symphony orchestra, the singers perform new arrangements by acclaimed Quebec composer/arranger Simon Leclerc who has skilfully highlighted the classical elements in Michel Bergerâ€™s original songs. Maestro Leclerc will direct the NAC Orchestra in the April 28 performance; the musicians will be positioned on risers on stage, allowing the singers to move among them. Staging and costumes are by Robert Marien. In character, the singers will perform some of the most popular numbers from Starmania, including Le blues du businessman, Les uns contre les autres, La complainte de la serveuse automate, Ziggy, and Le monde est stone.

Iâ€™m absolutely thrilled to present this classic and visionary work, performed by some of Quebecâ€™s most accomplished singers, says Heather Moore, Producer and Executive Director of Quebec Scene. It promises to be a real highlight of our Quebec Scene programme.

Part of a series of biannual festivals exploring Canadaâ€™s cultural panorama, Quebec Scene will take place in Ottawa-Gatineau from April 20 to May 5, 2007. This dazzling multi-disciplinary arts festival will celebrate Quebecâ€™s dynamic culture: a synergy of the old and the new, of traditions and new technologies, of established and emerging artists. The festival will provide a unique showcase for over 700 participating artists, introducing them to new audiences both at home and abroad and to more than 80 arts presenters and producers from around the world.

The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of Major Sponsors Enbridge and Gaz MÃ©tro, and Program Sponsors Casino du Lac-Leamy and Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.

Media partners are CBC/Radio-Canada, Gesca LimitÃ©e (notably through La Presse, Le Soleil and Le Droit), and National Post.

Government partners are the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of Quebec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends â€“ Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture, especially Quebec artists. Guy Pratte, Chair of the NAC Foundation Board of Directors, is particularly pleased to announce that Yves and Carol Fortier have graciously agreed to act as Honorary Presidents of the NAC Friends â€“ Quebec.

For more information about Quebec Scene, please consult the event website at www.quebecscene.ca.

Quebec Scene presents Symphonic Starmania in the NACâ€™s Southam Hall, Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 20:00. Ticket prices are $35, $45, $55 and $65 (students $18.75, $23.75, $28.75 and $33.75, on presentation of valid student ID). Tickets on sale at the NAC Box Office (in person only), by mail or by fax to (613) 947-7112 (a service charge of $3 per ticket applies on mail and fax orders); or through Ticketmaster: at all Ticketmaster outlets, by telephone (613-755-1111), or online through the Quebec Scene website, www.quebecscene.ca (a service charge applies to all Ticketmaster purchases)

Groups or 10 or more save up to 20% off regular ticket prices to all NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances! For information and reservations, call (613) 947-7000, ext. 384 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca.

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For more information, please contact:
National Arts Centre
Mary Gordon
(613) 947-7000, ext. 524
mgordon@nac-cna.ca

Quebec Scene
Chantal Dufresne
(514) 844-9554
commdufresne@videotron.ca

The National Arts Centre announces Quebec Scene -- 700 artists 100 events 25 venues 16 days

artsweb@nac-cna.ca — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

MONTREAL -- Canadaâ€™s National Arts Centre today announced the first programming details of Quebec Scene, a dazzling multi-disciplinary arts festival that will take place in Ottawa-Gatineau from April 20 to May 5, 2007. Part of a series of festivals exploring Canadaâ€™s cultural panorama, Quebec Scene will celebrate a dynamic culture: a synergy of the old and the new, of traditions and new technologies, of established and emerging artists.

In what will likely be the largest collection of Quebec artists ever presented outside of Quebec, over 700 artists from disciplines as varied as music, theatre, dance, visual and media arts, film, circus, literature, comedy, storytelling and culinary arts will appear in more than 25 venues around the Ottawa-Gatineau area. One of the Quebec Sceneâ€™s goals is to individually select and invite 90 + international and national agents and presenters to attend the festival, discover contemporary Quebec talent and bring it back to their own audiences.

To help in the colossal task of producing a festival of more than 100 events that reflects Quebecâ€™s artistic scene, Heather Moore, Producer and Executive Director of Quebec Scene, has called on a team of Quebec-based artistic advisors and programmers including Claude Poissant, Marie Fraser, Jean-Philippe Tremblay, Jean FugÃ¨res, Cathy Levy, Dominique Soutif, Paul Symes, Jacques Falquet, Petronella van Dijk, Normand Laprise and Daniel VÃ©zina. The considerable contributions of these advisors will allow her to create a festival that will artfully capture the voice of contemporary Quebec.

â€œIt has been a privilege for me to discover the wealth and richness of the Quebec arts scene, and the passion that Quebecers have for their artistsâ€, Moore said. â€œQuebec Scene is a celebration of that passion and will allow new audiences outside Quebec to share in that discovery.â€

Quebec Scene will include an exciting mix of new works by some of Quebecâ€™s most sought- after creators. Among the names behind those works are: La La La Human Steps, Dave St-Pierre (A little tenderness, for crying out loud!) Pierre Lebeau in collaboration with BenoÃ®t Charest and BÃ©atrice Bonifassi (LÃ¨vres), 4D art (Norman), ThÃ©Ã¢tre La Catapulte (Les Entrailles by Claude Gauvreau), Olivier ChoiniÃ¨re (Welcome to Ottawa, a City Where You Are a Tourist, presented in association with ThÃ©Ã¢tre de la Vieille 17) and Wajdi Mouawad (Scorched, the premiere of the English version of the play Incendies, presented by NAC English Theatre).

Many theatre and dance companies will perform at Quebec Scene. Marie Chouinard (bODY_rEMIX/gOLDBERG vARIATIONS), Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de MontrÃ©al(TooT and Noces), both presented by NAC Dance, le ThÃ©Ã¢tre du Sous-Marin Jaune (Discours de la mÃ©thode), le ThÃ©Ã¢tre de la manufacture (Avaler la mer et les poissons), Infinitheatre (with The Facts Behind The Helsinki Roccamatios), L.I.F :T (King Dave by Alexandre Goyette), ThÃ©Ã¢tre Pap (Everybodyâ€™s Welles, presented in French and in English) and the Great Canadian Theatre Company(Helenâ€™s Necklace,byCarole FrÃ©chette). There will also be theatre for young audiences, with ThÃ©Ã¢tre le Carrousel (Contes dâ€™enfants rÃ©els presented by NAC French Theatre), ThÃ©Ã¢tre Bouches DÃ©cousues (Mika, lâ€™enfant pleureur presented by la Salle Jean-DÃ©sprez), the circus company the 7 fingers (Loft, the English version of les 7 doigts de la main), le ThÃ©Ã¢tre des 4 Coins (FantÃ´me de Canterville) and ThÃ©Ã¢tre le Clou (AssoiffÃ©s), the latter two co-presented by ThÃ©Ã¢tre de la Catapulte and the Quebec Scene.

Among the bands featured at Quebec Scene will be Les Breastfeeders, the Lorraine Desmarais Trio, Les Vulgaires Machins, Arseniq 33, Les Batinses, Thomas Hellman, GeneviÃ¨ve et Matthieu, Les Trois Accords, Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, AndrÃ© Leroux Quartet, Christine Jensen, AndrÃ©e DuprÃ© and Jean Milaire, MagnÃ©to, Florence K, Susie Arioli Band, Le volume Ã©tait au maximum et GrimSkunk.

On the classical side, Kent Nagano will make his Ottawa debut conducting the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. Other performances include the Quebec Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Yoav Talmi. Quebec Scene is also delighted to announce a classical concert version of the rock opera Starmania by Luc Plamondon, and a NAC Orchestra concert featuring renowned Quebec pianist Louis Lortie.

Quebec Scene will also feature 50 established and emerging visual and media artists who will present their work in 15 exhibitions and events in Ottawa and Gatineau. Among the exhibitions are DÃ©-constructions at the National Gallery of Canada (featuring Michel de Brouin, Jean-Pierre Gauthier, Karilee Fuglem, Tricia Middleton and Annie Thibault); Pixels et papier at the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography (with Michael Flomen and Alain Paiement; Lâ€™Ã©chelle humaine at SAW Gallery; and Making Real, an exhibition specially commissioned by Quebec Scene. Curated by Marie Fraser, it will feature 15-18 artists, including Pascal Grandmaison and a production of the sound work by Jean-Pierre AubÃ©, in collaboration with Avatar.

All of this represents approximately one-third of the full programming of Quebec Scene, with the balance to be announced in February 2007.

Quebec Scene is the third in a series of national festivals produced by the NAC that began with Atlantic Scene (2003) and Alberta Scene (2005). Both the Atlantic and Alberta Scenes were major successes that exposed artists to new audiences, national and international presenters, and drew unprecedented media coverage for the participating artists and arts organizations.

â€œThe NAC has a long and storied history of presenting Quebecâ€™s most exciting artists,â€ said NAC President and CEO Peter Herrndorf. â€œThe National Arts Centre is delighted to be using the Quebec Scene festival to showcase Quebecâ€™s established and emerging talent to the rest of Canadaâ€¦and to the world."

The performance venues will include the four stages of the NAC, the National Gallery of Canada, Arts Court, Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, Library and Archives Canada, Maison de la Culture de Gatineau, La Nouvelle ScÃ¨ne, Barrymoreâ€™s Music Hall, The Black Sheep Inn, Capital Music Hall, the Great Canadian Theatre Company, la Salle Jean-DÃ©sprez, SAW Gallery and SAW Video, AXENÃ‰O7 and the Ottawa Art Gallery. Venues will also include bars, museums, restaurants, and other locations in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. We are also grateful to our partners that include Moment Factory, Punk Ottawa, the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, and the Ottawa Folk Festival.

The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges support by Major Sponsors Gaz MÃ©tro and Enbridge. Program Sponsors Casino du Lac-Leamy and Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Media partners are CBC/Radio-Canada, Gesca LimitÃ©e, notably through La Presse, Le Soleil and Le Droit, and the National Post.

Government partners are the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of QuÃ©bec through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du QuÃ©bec and the Canada Council for the Arts.

The NAC Foundation also extends a warm thank you to the National Arts Centre Friends-Quebec, a committed group of individuals and corporations who understand the need to support arts and culture, and especially Quebec artists. Guy Pratte, Chair of the NAC Foundation Board of Directors is particularly pleased to announce that Yves and Carol Fortier have graciously agreed to act as Honorary Presidents of the NAC Friends â€“ Quebec.

For more information about Quebec Scene, please consult the event website at www.quebecscene.ca.

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For more information:
Chantal Dufresne
(514) 844-9554
commdufresne@videotron.ca

Jayne Watson
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000 x 524
jwatson@nac-cna.ca