As a 75th-birthday gift to Joe Clark, Canada’s sixteenth Prime Minister, members of Clark’s family have commissioned a new work to be performed by the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Edmonton-based composer John Estacio will write the piece, which will be premiered by the NAC Orchestra in Ottawa during the 2015-16 season. The commission was announced from the stage at a recent National Arts Centre performance attended by Clark and family members. “Joe is the son of the Alberta Foothills who became a statesman on the world stage,” said Maureen McTeer, Clark’s wife, in announcing the gift. “John Estacio’s music is known for being lyrical and uplifting, qualities that we feel make him ideally suited for this commission.” Clark served as Canada’s Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980 and also in the House of Commons, as Foreign Minister, and as Minister for Constitutional Affairs.
Posted June 19, 2014
