NAC Orchestra: Shelley, Strauss & Dharmoo

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Three things to know:

Alexander Shelley conducts a program highlighting two composers who use music to create mythic tales of heroes and villains.
In his massive musical poem Ein Heldenleben, Richard Strauss traces a journey of love and struggle inspired by the composer’s favourite hero—himself!
Gabriel Dharmoo constructs an imaginary body of folklore in Wanmansho, a theatrical work for solo vocalist and orchestra.
“I don’t see why I shouldn’t compose a symphony about myself. I find myself quite as interesting as Napoleon,” Richard Strauss once wrote.

With that bold battle cry of confidence, Richard Strauss composed Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), harnessing the power of a super-sized orchestra to embark on a personal journey of love, art, and struggle. Get ready to hear music of cinematic realism as Strauss vividly portrays his memories of falling in love, waging war against his critics, and finding peace in the act of creation.

Canadian composer and vocalist Gabriel Dharmoo creates a hero of his own imagination in Wanmansho: the greatest ambassador of a mythical tradition of sung theatre. As he invites us to witness sacred rites depicting two mythological figures, Shreu and Djonr, Dharmoo embodies the spirit of Wanmansho while pushing the boundaries of symphonic storytelling.

Event Artists

NAC Orchestra, Alexander Shelley: conductor, Gabriel Dharmoo: composer and vocals

NAC Orchestra: Shelley, Strauss & Dharmoo

Date/Time
Thursday, October 2, 2025
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Location
Southam Hall
1 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada, K1P 5W1

Price
$15-95

Phone
844-985-2787

Website
https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/38431

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