While Canada begins to come to terms with the shooting rampage that left one soldier lifeless at the foot of the National War Memorial, and a gunman shot dead in the Parliament buildings, members of the National Arts Centre Orchestra have had to do so from afar.
As the shootings took place, the NACO were 40, 000 feet in the air on a plane bound for Edinburgh U.K. The orchestra was on their way to start their ten-day European tour. While on the plane, they learned about the horrifying shootings, and feared for the worst. Located just a stones throw from the war memorial, their friends and colleagues at the National Arts Centre, were all placed on lock-down. It hit close. Too close.
“It was frightening for all of us because the National Art Centre is steps away from the National War Memorial so the shooting that happened yesterday was literally at our doorstep,” said NAC’s director of communications, Rosemary Thompson.
Feeling the need to commemorate the death of Corporal Nathan Cirillo, the NACO decided to dedicate the Edinburgh performance at St. Giles Cathedral to the fallen soldier.
Addressing the audience before the October 23 performance, Ms.Thompson stated:
“Our thoughts are very much with Canada today. We had a terrible incident in Ottawa yesterday and the National Arts Centre is right across the street from the National War Memorial where the shooting took place and steps away from the Houses of Parliament. We would like to dedicate our performance today to the memory of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who lost his life.”
The audience and orchestra observed a moment of silence, which closed with Ms. Thompson attesting to the power of music to both heal, and to bring people together.
The NACO continue their European tour with upcoming stops in Nottingham, London and Bristol.
Michael Vincent