Review: Nicole Presentey and John Dapaah dazzle Chamberfest audience with piano duet
Delicacy, precision, power. These words come to mind when Nicole Presentey and John Kofi Dapaah make music together. The Ottawa pianists performed “1 Piano, 4 Hands” in the NAC’s Thorsteinson Staircase, part of the Midday Matinées series at Chamberfest. The pair met at Carleton University, where Dapaah studied with Presentey. Soon after, they began playing duets together at Chamberfest and...
Innocence Lost: Experts weigh impacts of repurposing beloved characters from childhood classics in campy horror films
When Winnie-the-Pooh starred in the 2018 Disney film Christopher Robin, young families turned out in droves to watch as the beloved bear with the “rumbly tumbly” was reunited with the title character as an adult, and the two rediscovered the joys of childhood wonder in the Hundred Acre Wood. But in the newest films starring Winnie-the-Pooh, the bear is out...
The “Bratification” of Kamala Harris: Gen Z at the intersection of internet culture and politics
Bright lime green, simple font, Charli XCX’s hit album “Brat” is everywhere these days. It’s even put its stamp on Democratic presidential candidate and current U.S. vice president Kamala Harris’ social media accounts. “Brat” is a dance-pop album defined by a gritty authenticity, capturing the vulnerability of the cool-girl aesthetic. But it’s more than the music. Charli herself says Brat...
Review: The Art of Time Ensemble kicks off Chamberfest with heartwarming Beatles tribute
The energy was high in the Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre Thursday night as the Art of Time Ensemble warmed up ahead of their performance of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, kicking off Chamberfest’s 30th anniversary. The group, led by concert pianist Andrew Burashko, offered a classical and jazz inspired arrangement of the iconic Beatles album, hailed as one of...
A Capital Current Profile: Consumed by passion for music, Henry Kennedy brings his talent to role as NACO’s resident conductor
Henry Kennedy is the NAC Orchestra’s new resident conductor and a rising talent in the classical music scene, although that’s not to say that the young conductor hasn’t already had an impressive career. As resident conductor, Kennedy will spend the next two years working with the NAC Orchestra under the guidance of music director Alexander Shelley. Capital Current spoke with...
A Capital Current Profile: Ottawa’s John Kofi Dapaah finds meaning and faith in the intersection of classical and jazz music
For John Kofi Dapaah, music is more than just a career. It’s a way of connecting with his faith and family. Dapaah is a well-known pianist and music teacher in Ottawa who will perform at Chamberfest on July 30 alongside his teacher and friend Nicole Presentey. Dapaah comes from a musical family and his first experience with music was in...
A Capital Current profile: Nicole Presentey’s musical journey has deep roots in Ottawa
Nicole Presentey is an Ottawa native and while she is certainly one of the most talented pianists and music educators to come from this place, she has remained in the region even though the world beckons. One of her deep local connections as a supporter and as a performer is Ottawa Chamberfest, one of the city’s best known classical music...
Turning 30: Chamberfest celebrates with a bevy of stars and series for all musical tastes
There’s nothing like summer in the city, and there’s nothing like Ottawa’s Chamberfest either. The capital’s renowned classical music festival Chamberfest is returning from July 25 to Aug. 8.
Nova Scotian Henry Kennedy announced as first new resident conductor with NAC Orchestra
Nova Scotian Henry Kennedy is taking up his place as the first resident conductor in a new program with the NAC Orchestra.
REVIEW: Opening night of Bluesfest offers some intimate and captivating performances
Capital Current took in several shows on opening night at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest Thursday night. Here's our take on three very unique performances.
Museum of History looks at career of architect Douglas Cardinal as his building turns 35
Museum of History honours the career of architect Douglas Cardinal.
NFB showcases Canadian films in celebration of the national day
The National Film Board of Canada is showcasing Canada’s diversity with the art of film with 14 channels of programming.