Shelley, Pouliot & Shostakovich

Finnish composer Jean Sibelius described his Second Symphony as “a great river flowing to the sea,” but generations of Finns have heard it as a patriotic symbol of their country’s quest for freedom from Imperial Russia. As the music journeys through moments of pastoral calm, white-hot intensity, and triumphant resilience, what will you hear in Sibelius’s majestic symphony?

Hailed as a “once in a lifetime” talent (Toronto Star), Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot brings his signature showmanship to Dmitri Shostakovich’s First Concerto for solo violin and orchestra. Written for one of the composer’s closest friends, the Ukraine-born violinist David Oistrakh, Shostakovich’s concerto journeys from a shadowy world of fear and anxiety to a sarcastic dance teeming with wild energy.

And Jocelyn Morlock’s My Name Is Amanda Todd honours the Canadian teenager who took her life in 2012 after suffering years of abuse and bullying, both online and in school. Rather than painting Todd as only a victim, Morlock’s work portrays the teenager’s strength and courage in an emotional search for hope, empathy, and optimism.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM UPDATE: Violinist Hilary Hahn must regrettably withdraw from all planned concerts through the end of November, including her performances with the NAC Orchestra on September 17 and 18, as she continues to recover from an injury.

We are pleased to announce that Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot will step in, performing Dmitri Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1.

For your convenience, original ticket orders for these concert dates remain valid. If you wish to exchange tickets or request a refund, please contact the NAC Box Office. All exchanges or refunds must be requested no later than 24 hours before your scheduled concert date.