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Pinchas Zukerman expresses his excitement to continue with the Orchestra by stating, "I'm delighted to announce that I've renewed my contract with this wonderful orchestra through August 2015. I am proud of the tremendously high level at which the Orchestra is playing and I look forward to furthering the musical journey that the musicians, our audiences and, most importantly, our future audiences, have begun together."
Pinchas Zukerman's invaluable accomplishments as Music Director have included:
- Dramatic improvement in the caliber of both guest artists and Orchestra musicians, including the creation of the Side-by-Side program which enables five exceptional young musicians each year to apprentice with musicians of the NAC Orchestra in rehearsal and concert, the first such program to be created in a Canadian musical institute.
- Revitalization of the Orchestra's fundraising initiatives by attracting high-profile donors and corporations to support the organization's new direction, which includes an integral educational element, under his leadership.
- Support of contemporary composers from both Canada-to foster a spirit of national pride-and from around the world-to continually expand the Orchestra's repertoire and reputation as a world-class ensemble.
- The creation of the National Arts Centre Summer Music Institute, including the Young Artist, Conductor's, and Composer's Programmes, of which he remains Artistic Director.
- The creation of "Music Connections," Canada's first education program to reach out to Aboriginal communities on NAC Orchestra tours to BC (2004), Alberta and Saskatchewan (2005), Quebec (2006) and Western Canada (2008 - Winnipeg, specifically). These programs, 6-9 weeks in duration, use the recorder, and most recently the Native American Flute, to make classical music more accessible to First Nations children and to introduce to orchestral musicians and Western audiences the culture and traditions of First Nations communities.
Pinchas Zukerman was the first educator to experiment with broadband-distance learning. His passion for this medium of pedagogy has brought the NAC into the forefront of distance learning using communications technology, and he has helped the NAC create a unique facility devoted to digital outreach called the Hexagon Studio. Zukerman has pioneered this technology to connect the NAC to the Manhattan School of Music in New York, as well as with universities in locations as diverse as Miami, Chicago, Texas, Mexico, Finland, and Israel.
In addition to his position with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Pinchas Zukerman, at 61 years of age, maintains an ambitious touring schedule that includes over 100 performances each year in more than 20 countries throughout five continents. 2009-2010 marks Mr. Zukerman's first season as Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, which includes a minimum of three tours each year. When he's not playing, he oversees a foundation that collects and purchases instruments for young string students and awards scholarships to deserving young artist programs in Ottawa.
To read Pinchas Zukerman's full bio, please click here
About the National Arts Centre
The National Arts Centre is a leader in the presentation of classical and contemporary music, dance, variety, English language theatre and French language theatre and works with artists and arts organizations across Canada. The National Arts Centre is also in the forefront of youth and education activities, including programs from young and emerging artists, programs for young audiences, and the production of programs and study materials for teachers.
MEDIA LINKS
Pinchas Zukerman digital press kit
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