National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique

🎶 À l’occasion de la Journée internationale de la Francophonie, nous avons demandé au musicien sénégalais basé à Montréal Zal Sissokho et à l’artiste sénégalaise basée à Paris Senny Camara, tous deux francophones issus de la diaspora ouest-africaine, de nous parler de la kora. La kora est une harpe d’Afrique de l’Ouest dont les origines remontent à plusieurs siècles. Écoutez ces maîtres musiciens raconter l’histoire derrière leur instrument. . 🎶 In honour of International Francophonie Day, we asked Montreal-based Senegalese musician Zal Sissokho and Paris-based Senegalese artist Senny Camara, both Francophones from the West African diaspora, to tell us about the kora. The kora is a West African harp with roots stretching back centuries. Hear these master players share the story behind their instrument.

Few experiences compare to live music by candlelight. 🕯️ #CandlelightConcerts returns to #StudioBell, home of the National Music Centre, with a stunning spring and summer lineup spanning jazz legends, iconic rock anthems, beloved film scores, and more. Candlelight Concert schedule: 🕯️ March 27 at 6:30 & 8:30 pm: The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole 🕯️ April 4 at 6:30 pm: Tribute to Pink Floyd 🕯️ April 4 at 8:30 pm: Tribute to ABBA 🕯️ April 12 at 6:30 & 8:30 pm: The Best of Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and more ft. Kate Stevens 🕯️ April 24 at 6:30 pm: Tribute to Pink Floyd 🕯️ April 24 at 8:30 pm: Tribute to ABBA 🕯️ May 16 at 6:30 pm: The Best of Hans Zimmer 🕯️ May 16 at 8:30 pm: Tribute to Queen 🕯️ May 24 at 6:30 pm: Ed Sheeran Meets Coldplay 🕯️ May 24 at 8:30 pm: Tribute to ABBA 🕯️ June 6 at 6:30 & 8:30 pm: Candlelight Jazz : The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole 🕯️ June 18 at 6:30 pm: Tribute to Queen 🕯️ June 18 at 8:30 pm: Tribute to ABBA 🕯️ June 21 at 6:30 pm: The Best of Hans Zimmer 🕯️ June 21 at 8:30 pm: Tribute to ABBA 🕯️ June 26 at 6:30 pm: The Best of Hans Zimmer 🕯️ June 26 at 8:30 pm: Tribute to ABBA Get tickets: bit.ly/4lnpJAI

A singer, songwriter, actress, multiple @TheJUNOAwards winner, and the first Black woman inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, @Deborah_Cox's deep connection to music fuelled her achievements as one of Canada's most extraordinary artists. This Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting our 2022 conversation with the multi-platinum R&B/pop icon, where she shared how her love for music first began.

A lot of young talent was in the house yesterday. 🎶✨#StudioBell, home of the National Music Centre, was filled with the soaring sounds of the Upper Arlington Symphony Strings Orchestra, a renowned youth ensemble from the U.S., and an amazing opening performance by Centre Memorial High School. Here are some highlights from the show, which was presented in partnership with Mountain Spring Festival. 📸: Jaxi Barton

From the kora to the keys to the percussion, SUBA Trio, featuring @OmarSosaMusic and @seckoukeita, brought joyous and captivating sounds to the stage last week with music that spanned the Atlantic. 🌎🎶 Here are some highlights from the evening, presented with @Jazz_YYC. 📸: Jaxi Barton

The triple force of Matt Patershuk, Suzie Ungerleider, and Ben Sures brought their Radios, Rayguns, and Little White Lies show to our stage over the weekend. Fans got to see these three incredible artists share one stage, trading songs, stories, and harmonies all night long. Check out some pics from the night. 📸: Jaxi Barton

Just announced! 🚨 One of Canada's most entertaining live acts makes a stop at #StudioBell, home of the National Music Centre, on Sunday, Oct. 18. Expect Celtic-infused rock, thunderous bagpipes, and the kind of infectious on-stage energy that has kept Mudmen going strong for nearly 30 years. Grab your tickets: bit.ly/4s8yfGk 📸: Steve Mayhew (1)

Calgary got a taste of a true Newfoundland kitchen party – and an early St. Paddy’s bash – last week thanks to KITCHINPARTI. 🎻🍀 There was dancing, there was singing, and plenty of good times all around. Here are some of our fave photos from the event. 📸: Jaxi Barton

🎸 Electric bass virtuoso Carl Mayotte is bringing a free masterclass to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, this Sunday, Mar. 15. Widely regarded as one of Canada’s most exciting and forward-thinking jazz musicians, this free masterclass is open to beginners, advanced musicians, bassists or instrumentalists of any kind. The class is designed to be accessible, inspiring, and enriching for everyone. 🔗 Full details: bit.ly/4lrkpMD

Bonne Journée de la Francophonie ! Joignez-vous au National Music Centre pour une journée gratuite de musique en direct, de discussions et d’activités familiales mettant en valeur la culture francophone canadienne et albertaine le 21 mars. À l’occasion de la Journée internationale de la Francophonie en mars et alors que le gouvernement de l’Alberta a proclamé 2026 comme l’Année de la Francophonie, le NMC est fier de mettre en lumière notre communauté francophone dynamique, en parallèle des célébrations qui se déroulent partout dans la province et à travers le monde. Les visiteurs peuvent s’attendre à : 🎶 Des prestations en direct d’Ariane Mahrÿke Lemire, Jeremy Gignoux, Marc Beaudin et Tina Hartt 🎤 Une table ronde sur la rencontre entre culture et musique 🎉 Le Temple de la renommée de l’ADISQ, où l’on célèbre des icônes francophones du Québec et du Canada, ainsi qu’un A-DISCO silencieux où les visiteurs pourront danser sur des succès francophones 🎨 Un atelier de bricolage pour enfants Entrée gratuite. Tout le monde est bienvenu ! 🔗 Planifiez votre visite : bit.ly/4uoontC . Bonne Journée de la Francophonie! Join the National Music Centre for a free day of live music, conversations, and family-friendly activities that showcase Canadian and Albertan Francophone culture on Mar. 21. With International Francophonie Day happening in March and the Government of Alberta proclaiming 2026 as the Year of the Francophonie, NMC is proud to showcase our vibrant Francophone community alongside celebrations happening throughout the province and around the world. Visitors can expect: 🎶 Live performances from Ariane Mahrÿke Lemire, Jeremy Gignoux, Marc Beaudin, and Tina Hartt 🎤 Panel discussion on how culture and music intersect 🎉 Adisq Hall of Fame, where Quebec and Canadian Francophone icons are celebrated, and silent A-DISCO, where visitors can dance to Francophone hits 🎨 A kids' craft station Free admission. All are welcome! 🔗 Plan your visit: bit.ly/4uoontC

Following his sold-out show, Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World, artist Duane Forrest had the chance to perform alongside the very same mobile unit that recorded Bob Marley's Live! at London's Lyceum Theatre in 1975. Hear him perform songs originally recorded with the legendary truck – live from the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. Head to NMC Amplify: bit.ly/3N34eIV

What do a jazz musician from Montreal, a hip-hop producer from Toronto, and a hip-hop artist from Edmonton have in common? They all moved to Calgary to work, live, and create! Three of the five artists featured in this article from the @calgaryherald have all performed at the National Music Centre since moving to the city, and one even works with us as an educator. Calgary’s music community is growing – and we’re excited to be a part of it. calgaryherald.com/entertainment/…

We’re bringing a proper East Coast kitchen party to Studio Bell tomorrow night! 🍀Newfoundland's own KitchinParti will deliver an infectious blend of original songs and reimagined trad tunes with plenty of room to dance. Get your tickets now: bit.ly/409z31j

This month at the NMC Café, we’re celebrating #NellyFurtado, the 2026 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee. 🇨🇦🎶 Try our Nelly Cortado with cinnamon over the month of March, and toast to a Canadian icon. ☕✨ You can also see a new National Music Centre exhibit in her honour opening on Mar. 25.

Yahoo! 🤠🎉 Need a show-stopping venue for your company’s 2026 Stampede party? Grab your cowboy hats and bolo ties and saddle on up to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Located within walking distance of the Stampede Grounds, our East Village Skybridge is the perfect weatherproof venue with a front row seat to all the Stampede action. We’ve partnered with the King Eddy to offer the ultimate Stampede party experience, complete with locally sourced cowboy cuisine and western flair. Your rental also includes access to the National Music Centre’s fifth floor galleries, including multiple Canadian Music Hall of Fame exhibitions. Or upgrade and go full-on country by letting our team lead a tour of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and we’ll even book a country band or line dancing demo to get the party started. Don’t wait – rope this event space in while it lasts. Learn more at studiobell.ca/event-spaces or email us directly at rentals@nmc.ca.

Make your Monday musical! 🎻 On Monday, Mar. 16 at 12 pm, the Upper Arlington Symphony Strings youth ensemble performs at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in partnership with Mountain Spring Festival. Stop by on your lunch break for a midday escape. This accomplished youth ensemble from the U.S. has garnered wide acclaim, performing at Carnegie Hall and the United Nations. Learn more: bit.ly/4sFiarI

On March 25, National Music Centre, in partnership with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, will unveil a new feature exhibit celebrating 2026 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee @NellyFurtado. 🎤✨ From folk-pop luminary to global superstar, her genre-defying career has continually shaped and redefined the pop landscape for over two decades. The exhibit will capture her sound, style, and fearless reinvention through stage outfits, storytelling, archival photos, and more. This exhibit is the first of two new exhibits related to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame that visitors can explore in 2026. 🔗 Learn more and plan your visit: bit.ly/4lottC8

Steel pan master and founder of Pan Dynamicx, Rohan Nicholas will lead a free workshop at #StudioBell, home of the National Music Centre, on Mar. 29. This event is presented by #CarifestCalgary in celebration of its 45th birthday. The workshop is open to all skill levels, offering an immersive experience that will empower musicians and music lovers of all ages to express themselves through the vibrant energy of steel pan music. Free with registration. Sign up: bit.ly/4sILuO5

What a way to celebrate International Women's Day! Yesterday, the Calgary Women's Jazz Collective paid tribute to Joni Mitchell by reimagining her iconic songs through beautiful big band jazz arrangements. Here's a look back at the celebration. 📸: Jaxi Barton