Sneak Preview of Alberta Scene
By the opening night of the Scene, more than 600 Alberta artists will be confirmed – here's a sample of some of the artists and arts organizations on board:
The Alberta Scene opens with the Banff Centre production of FILUMENA, with music by Alberta composer John Estacio and libretto by Albertan John Murrell. Co-commissioned and originally co-produced by The Banff Centre and The Calgary Opera, this first-ever outside-Alberta presentation of the acclaimed opera FILUMENA, is a unique and substantial new musical work celebrating Alberta history, while challenging perceptions of Alberta culture. FILUMENA is being presented by the Alberta Scene in association with Opera Lyra Ottawa. The Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation is a major supporter of the Scene's presentation of FILUMENA.
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) has been invited to present a concert commemorating the work of contemporary Alberta composers such as Allan Gilliland, Alan Gordon Bell, Jeffrey McCune, Malcolm Forsyth and Heather Schmidt. In addition to the evening concert, 4000 students will attend two matinees featuring John Estacio's The Twins and the Monster, an ESO-commissioned work.
The Alberta Ballet's explosively theatrical full-length ballet version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, choreographed by artistic director Jean Grand-Maître, will take the stage of NAC Southam Hall. This performance is a collaboration between the NAC Dance Department and the Alberta Scene.
Both the ESO and Alberta Ballet's performances are being made possible, in part, through the support of Enbridge Inc. As a long time supporter of the arts in Canada, Enbridge Inc. believes that the performing arts are an essential part of the sustainability and vibrancy of Canadian communities.
Alberta Scene will also partner with the NAC English Theatre Department to present a Citadel Theatre (Edmonton)/NAC co-production of Chekhov's Vanya, newly adapted by Alberta playwright Tom Woods, and directed by Bob Baker, Artistic Director of the Citadel Theatre.
Alberta Celebration, starring renowned performer Ian Tyson, the young and talented Calgary Fiddlers and other artists, will feature the National Arts Centre Orchestra conducted by Alberta jazz legend Tommy Banks. This performance will be presented by the NAC Music Department in its CJOH NACO POPS Series, in collaboration with the Alberta Scene.
Alberta Scene will also feature the NAC English Theatre's presentation of The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito, a play for young audiences produced by Edmonton's Concrete Theatre.
For more information on the National Arts Centre's festival Alberta Scene, or to apply to be a part of the Scene, please visit the Alberta Scene web site at wwww.albertascene.ca