Opera, ballet and orchestra symphony in Ottawa

Ottawa’s Performing Arts Centre

National Arts Centre

Ottawa’s National Art Centre (NAC) is North America’s only multidisciplinary, bilingual performing arts centre. It was first unveiled in 1969 in recognition of Canada’s Centennial.

The NAC offers various types of programming, including orchestra symphony, Francophone and English theatre, Indigenous performances and popular music shows. Watch classical ballets like Giselle, listen to enchanting chamber music or catch kid-friendly operas such as Opera Candy: The Gourmet Adventure of Hansel and Gretel. Modern musicals have included Hamilton and Disney’s The Lion King.

The NAC also provides Canada’s young and emerging artists with coaching and development to advance to the next step of their careers and sets the stage to showcase their enormous talent.

Buy tickets for the 2024–2025 season online, over the phone or at the in-person box office. The Under30 program provides discounted tickets for attendees under 30 years old.

Location: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Performing arts companies

Experience memorable live performances in Ottawa from the city’s top artistic talent.

National Arts Centre

Every year, the National Arts Centre launches its season of diverse and captivating dance performances by Canadian and international companies.

When the National Arts Centre was created in 1969, the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NAC Orchestra or NACO) was established as the resident orchestra.

Performances range from beautiful ballet scored by the world-class National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) to contemporary dance and cross-discipline works to traditional ballet. Guest conductors, renowned soloists and special Sunday afternoon performances are some programming highlights. The Kinderconcerts are interactive and entertaining musical experiences for kids aged three to eight.

Like the NAC, the NACO showcases classical performances such as Handel’s Messiah as well as interpretations of legendary pieces by a variety of icons, from Brahms to Beethoven.

Purchase tickets online, over the phone or at the box office.

Location: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Ottawa Symphony Orchestra

This community-based, professional orchestra has been delighting audiences for over 120 years. The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (OSO) frequently features local musicians as soloists and collaborates with emerging and established talent from across Canada.

Often showcasing 70–100 musicians on stage simultaneously, the OSO will not disappoint those seeking an extraordinary auditory experience. Enjoy the robust sounds of composers like Bruckner, Mahler, Wagner and Strauss that only a large-scale orchestra can deliver. The OSO is also a proud supporter of original Canadian content. At all performances, you’ll hear work by at least one Canadian composer.

Performances are held at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, a historical church acquired by Carleton University and converted into an intimate performing arts space with excellent acoustics. Purchase tickets online, by phone or at the door between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. on the day of the show.

Discounted tickets are available through the Upbeat Program, which offers guests under 30, students, and others a reduced rate. Children under 12 enjoy free attendance. Caregivers and support workers are offered 50% off.

Location: 4 Florence Street, Suite 202, Ottawa

University of Ottawa School of Music

University of Ottawa’s acclaimed music program generates musical talent and is home to a great venue showcasing up-and-coming artists.

The school has performed a diverse range of operas and orchestral concerts, including Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Le Nozze di Figaro. With affordable ticket prices, this is a great opportunity to watch pre-professional musicians, faculty members and guest artists perform at one of the best venues for classical music in Ottawa.

Each spring, the Performance Students’ final recitals are free and open to the public. Purchase tickets for operas, chamber music concerts, orchestral concerts and other musical performances. Most performances take place at either Tabaret Hall or St. Joseph’s Church.

Locations:

• Tabaret Hall, 550 Cumberland Street, Ottawa
• St. Joseph’s Church, 174 Rue Wilbrod Street, Ottawa

Ottawa Pops Orchestra

Ease into symphony classics through the entertaining programming of the Ottawa Pops Orchestra. Founded as a school club at the University of Ottawa in 2012, the Ottawa Pops Orchestra has grown into a semi-professional, community-based orchestra of 60 musicians that combines classical music with pop culture favourites.

Past performances have included Harry Potter, Star Wars, Disney classics and video game-themed programs. The audience is encouraged to attend in costume, so don’t be surprised to see Luke Skywalker or Hermione at a show.

Purchase tickets for these entertaining symphonies online; most performances are held at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.

Location: 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa

Thirteen Strings

For an intimate music experience, Thirteen Strings, Ottawa’s premiere professional chamber orchestra, comprises just thirteen string players.

Founded in 1976, the orchestra’s repertoire covers music from the Baroque era to the present day and has commissioned 100 new works from Canadian composers. From opera singers to marimba players, guest artists frequently perform and have helped develop Thirteen Strings’ reputation as one of Canada's most eclectic chamber orchestras.

Purchase individual tickets and subscriptions online; performances are held at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.

Location: 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa

Les Petits Ballets

Founded in 1976, Les Petits Ballets is one of the top places for ballet in Ottawa. The school trains dancers of all ages in the elegant Russian Vaganova method.

Performances are a vital part of the curriculum with two productions staged each year in May and December. Talented dancers have performed various classical ballets over the years, such as The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, as well as contemporary shows like Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz.

Purchase tickets online or by calling the box office. Performances are held at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe.

Location: 101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean

Tips and etiquette

If you are attending the opera, ballet or orchestra for the first time, here are some tips to consider.

When to go

The opera, ballet and orchestra symphony seasons typically run from early fall to the spring. Check with the individual venue for performance lineup announcements.

Start with the classics

Start your cultural journey by attending some of the most popular performances such as The Nutcracker ballet or an operatic masterpiece like The Marriage of Figaro. Familiarize yourself with classical music composers and attend the performances of that feature their work.

Do the research

Reviewing the plot summaries beforehand with help you appreciate the details of the performance, the costumes and the set design without distraction or confusion.

Arrive early

Give yourself extra time to get acquainted with the venue and attend possible pre-show chats. At the very least, don’t be late. At most venues, latecomers can only access their seats at a suitable pause in the performance or during an intermission.

Don’t stress about the dress code

For some, attending an opera, ballet or orchestra is a chance to dress up for an elegant night out. However white tie or formal dress is not mandatory, so don’t stress over what to wear—casual attire is also perfectly acceptable.