The Northern Arts and Cultural Centre believes its 35th season will feature its most diverse line-up to date.
Headliners include flamenco group La Otra Orilla, the Rising Star project featuring pianist Anastasia Rizikov, a visit to Yellowknife for flautist Benjamin Morency, and a performance from piano-violin duo meagan&amy.
Marie Coderre, in her eighth year as NACC’s executive and artistic director, said she believes there is something for everyone in the “amazing” season ahead.
“Arts is subjective so it’s a question of taste, but I can promise quality for sure,” she said.
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A season highlight is NACC’s 35th-anniversary concert on December 7, featuring Kofi Hayford and ensemble.
The show is billed as “New York City taking over Yellowknife with five of the fastest-rising singers in the metropolitan opera scene.” The event takes the form of a gospel and classical Christmas concert with musicians from six different countries.
Hayford will also make festive appearances in Norman Wells, Inuvik, Fort Simpson, and Hay River.
Old favourite shows return such as the Children’s Festival of Silliness on January 25, the Northern Scene Series with shows from February to June, and the Ko K’e Spoken Word and Music Festival – which this year features Digawolf, Johnny Landry, Cliff Cardinal, and Cabin Radio’s own Ollie Williams and Jesse Wheeler with Wheeler’s mother, Yellowknife legend Gail Cyr. That festival runs September 16-26 in communities across the North.
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However, this is also a year of firsts for NACC.
Unikkaaqtuat, the centre’s first-ever circus, will make an appearance, while Pawâkan Macbeth will receive first performance outside Treaty 6 territory. Not Quite Midnight will be the first dance group toured across the NWT by NACC.
“I never plan a year according to a special year or whatever. I really plan it to the opportunities that come and the research that I do,” said Coderre.
Also new this season is a singalong series featuring the Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 25, The Lion King on November 16, and the Sound of Music on January 11.
Manuel Cinema, a production company from Chicago combining shadow puppetry with live music and “cinematic techniques,” performs Frankenstein at NACC on March 4.
The season opens with Florent Vollant, one half of folk-rock duo Kashtin, on September 7. Head to NACC’s website for more information about the season.
