Young audiences explore music and rhythms of Latin America in Ottawa

Mambo, samba and music from the Americas gets audiences on their feet in this unique orchestral concert experience.

OTTAWA, June 5, 2015 - On Saturday, June 6, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, conducted by Alain Trudel, and Platypus Theatre will present the Latin Beats, Heroic Feats! as part of the Young People's Concert Series. The National Arts Centre Orchestra co-commissioned Ottawa-based Platypus Theatre to create the show, featuring repertoire from across the Americas with a strong emphasis on the exciting music and rhythms of Latin America. The concert is unique due to the repertoire being rarely presented at family concerts, and Platypus Theatre describes it as its most interactive show to date. Concert-goers are involved throughout the entire experience, from pre-concert activities, to clapping Latin rhythms and even standing up and dancing to the music.

 

The show was originally performed at the National Arts Centre for student audiences in February. "We love performing in Ottawa," said Peter Duschenes, Artistic Director of Platypus Theatre. "Not only is Ottawa my home town, but we also get to present the show bilingually, which is both challenging and gratifying." Platypus Theatre is celebrating its 25th anniversary season and has a long history with the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

 

Latin Beats, Heroic Feats! was co-commissioned along with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and played to sold out houses in Vancouver and Edmonton in February, and in Toronto last month. "We've had a tremendous response to this show," said Duschenes. "Musically it's a very exciting show for children because of the Latin-themed repertoire, and it's also very interactive with pre-show crafts and the audience participating in many ways throughout the story including our first ever dance-along!"

 

Who:

National Arts Centre Orchestra

Platypus Theatre

Alain Trudel, conductor

 

Where:

National Arts Centre Southam Hall

53 Elgin Street, Ottawa

 

When:

Young People's Concert Series

Latin Beats, Heroic Feats!

Sat, June 6, 2015 at 1:30pm

Sat, June 6, 2015 at 3:30pm

 

Programme includes:

Sousa: The Liberty Bell March                                       

Abreu: "Tico-Tico no Fubá"

Ennio Morricone: "Gabriel's Oboe" from The Mission                                         

 

TICKETS:          Starting at $23

For more information please visit www.platypustheatre.com or nac-cna.ca

ABOUT PLATYPUS THEATRE: Since 1989, almost one million young audience members have been introduced to classical music through Platypus Theatre. After more than 500 performances with more than 60 orchestras worldwide, Platypus has established itself as one of North America's premiere music education theatre companies. Original and engaging storylines are presented in an intelligent and interactive way, with music always taking the lead role. Children laugh, sing and empathize with the characters while learning musical concepts, styles, and much more. In 2006, one of Platypus' most cherished productions

How the Gimquat Found her Song was produced for TV and went on to win several awards including Best Children's Program at the prestigious Banff World Television Festival. In 1991, Platypus was the subject of a nationally broadcast documentary on CTV, followed by a PBS full-performance broadcast in 2000. Now in its 25th anniversary year, Platypus premieres its eighth original production, Latin Beats, Heroic Feats, in partnership with four orchestras across Canada. Other Platypus Productions include Emily Saves the Orchestra, Rhythm in your Rubbish, Bach to the Future, Charlotte and the Music-Maker, Flicker of Light on a Winter's Night, and Peter and the Wolf.

 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE: The National Arts Centre collaborates with artists and arts organizations across Canada to help create a national stage for the performing arts, and acts as a catalyst for performance, creation and learning across the country.  A home for Canada's most creative artists, the NAC strives to be artistically adventurous in each of its programming streams - the NAC Orchestra,English Theatre, French Theatre and Dance, as well as the Scene festivals and NAC Presents, which showcase established and emerging Canadian artists. The organization is at the forefront of youth and educational activities, offering artist training, programs for children and youth, and resources for teachers in communities across Canada. The NAC is also a pioneer in new media, using technology to teach students and young artists around the globe, by creating top-rated podcasts, and providing a wide range of NAC Orchestra concerts on demand.  The NAC is the only bilingual, multidisciplinary performing arts centre in Canada, and one of the largest in the world.

ABOUT THE TD FAMILY ADVENTURE SERIES:  TD Family Adventures combine high-energy musical theatre with performances of famous classical works by composers like Mussorgsky, Grieg and Mozart. A great way to introduce youngsters to the Orchestra and get out for an afternoon of family entertainment!