These stellar concerts will inaugurate the new NCC park located close to the Canadian War Museum. OPERA UNDER THE STARS is one of the main events planned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the choice of the Capital in 2007 and extend the Canada Day Celebrations.

During a concert preview this morning, the Chairman of the NCC, Mr. Marcel Beaudry, handed a symbolic baton to the Conductor and General Director of the Canadian Opera Company (COC), Mr. Richard Bradshaw.

"The NCC is pleased to welcome the 2006 Governor General's Award laureate Richard Bradshaw and the prestigious Canadian Opera Company to LeBreton Flats in 2007," said Mr. Beaudry. "This new park is another key step to the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats. It will become an important cultural destination in the heart of the Capital, as well as a meeting place where Canadians can appreciate the scenic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill."

The COC Orchestra, acclaimed Canadian artists and rising stars from the COC Ensemble Studio, as well as the Opera Lyra Ottawa Chorus will perform in the beautiful setting of LeBreton Flats Festival Park. On both evenings, audiences will be treated to a live outdoor performance of opera classics by pre-eminent Canadian opera singers and musicians. These concerts mark the COC's return to Canada's Capital Region after 29 years.

"We are greatly honoured that the National Capital Commission will present the Canadian Opera Company to give the first concerts at the LeBreton Flats Festival Park," said Mr. Bradshaw. "It is a wonderful opportunity for Canada's national opera company to come to the Nation's Capital during Canada Day weekend and be part of the celebrations surrounding the 150th anniversary of the choice of the Capital."

The NCC and its partners have been planning the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats since the 1990s, with the vision of creating an urban community in the core of the Capital where people can live, work, learn and play. Located between the Ottawa River and the Canadian War Museum, this new festival park will enhance the cultural significance of the LeBreton Flats. "We are thrilled by the NCC's programming plans on the festival park site," stated Joe Geurts, Director and CEO of the Canadian War Museum. "We are always interested in meeting new audiences. As a history museum, we understand the importance of marking these important anniversaries."

The OPERA UNDER THE STARS concerts at LeBreton Flats will be one of the key events commemorating the 150th anniversary of the choice of the Capital in 1857 by Her Majesty Queen Victoria.

By www.operalyra.ca