St. Vincent featuring The NAC Orchestra
St. Vincent featuring The National Arts Centre Orchestra
St. Vincent has been regarded as one of the most innovative and fascinating presences in modern music for nearly 20 years, constantly reinventing her audio and visual personae over the course of a kaleidoscopic catalog and winning six GRAMMY Awards along the way.
This summer, St. Vincent will venture once more into unexplored territory with a first ever limited run of orchestral performances. These special shows will see a selection of favorites and deep cuts spanning the St. Vincent discography brought to life in spellbinding new dimensions with the aid of GRAMMY-winning artist and renowned orchestrator, arranger, and conductor Jules Buckley. Together, St. Vincent and Buckley will enlist established local orchestras to forge new sonic worlds from her acclaimed albums, including Marry Me, Actor, Strange Mercy, St. Vincent, MASSEDUCTION, Daddy’s Home and All Born Screaming — in what promises to be a series of unforgettable evenings of unique symphonic reinterpretations of songs from one of modern music’s most eclectic and acclaimed bodies of work.
Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra
Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra is renowned for its passionate performances, innovative learning and engagement programs, and steadfast support of Canadian creativity. Based in Ottawa, the nation’s capital, it has grown into one of the country’s most dynamic ensembles since its founding in 1969.
Under the leadership of Music Director Alexander Shelley, the NAC Orchestra reflects the fabric and values of Canada through inclusive programming, compelling storytelling, and visionary partnerships. Since assuming the role in 2015, Shelley has shaped the Orchestra’s artistic vision, building on the legacy of his predecessor, Pinchas Zukerman, who led the ensemble for 16 seasons. Shelley has championed new works by Canadian composers and expanded the Orchestra’s reach through tours, livestreams, and critically acclaimed recordings. Recent projects include a recording series pairing new Canadian compositions with tone poems by Richard Strauss.
In fall 2025, the Orchestra announced an exciting new chapter with the appointment of world-renowned Finnish conductor John Storgårds as its next Music Director, beginning in the 2026–2027 season. Storgårds, who has served as Principal Guest Conductor since 2015, is a beloved member of the NAC Orchestra family. Over the past decade, he has led countless unforgettable concerts, showcased daring new music, and developed a rare chemistry with the musicians.
The Orchestra regularly collaborates with performers of global renown, including James Ehnes, Angela Hewitt, Renée Fleming, Hilary Hahn, Jeremy Dutcher, Jan Lisiecki, Ray Chen, and Yeol Eum Son. These partnerships underscore the Orchestra’s reputation as a destination for world-class musicians and a home for the next generation of artists.
Principal Youth Conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser is an internationally recognized artist who creates innovative and inclusive concert experiences, helping reinvigorate the Orchestra’s mission to engage new and diverse audiences. Beyond the concert stage, the Orchestra’s learning and engagement programs strengthen local arts ecosystems, deepen community connections, and foster cultural exchange. Its family and school programming includes interactive performances, side-by-side mentorship with young musicians, and community concerts designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of music.
The NAC Orchestra is deeply committed to professional development. The annual Mentorship Program and two-year Resident Conductor position offer emerging artists opportunities to refine their craft under the guidance of the Orchestra’s artistic leadership, musicians, and administration. Henry Kennedy, the Orchestra’s inaugural Resident Conductor, will conclude his term at the end of the 2025–2026 season.
Touring is central to the Orchestra’s identity. It has performed in every Canadian province and territory, as well as across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. During its landmark spring 2025 tour, the Orchestra made its debut in the Republic of Korea and returned to Japan for the first time in 40 years. As it approaches its 100th tour in the 2025–2026 season, the NAC Orchestra continues to inspire audiences and artists alike—honouring its legacy while charting a bold path forward as a national leader in musical excellence and cultural connection.