National Arts Centre Orchestra Korea-Japan Tour 2025
National Arts Centre
Ottawa, ON
The National Arts Centre Orchestra Korea-Japan Tour 2025 marked the Canadian ensemble’s return to Japan for the first time in four decades and its debut in the Republic of Korea, aiming to strengthen NACO’s positioning as Canada's National Orchestra while supporting the 2024–2025 Canada-Korea Year of Cultural Exchanges and the World Expo in Osaka. The tour also encompassed grassroots community events requiring dedicated support materials across both countries.
The tour identity was built around NACO’s unique Canadian sound signature, expressed through fine parallel lines wrapping a dynamic image of conductor Alexander Shelley. Cultural sensitivity guided key decisions, including embassy consultations, multiple wordmark iterations to ensure equal representation of both countries and expert approval of Japanese and Korean typefaces. A cherry blossom-inspired colour palette reflected the spring season, while flag colours acknowledged each nation’s identity. The identity was successfully adapted across numerous applications, including an interactive website, merchandise, posters, motion graphics and a large animated feature on the NAC's Kipnes Lantern in Ottawa.
Credits:
- Art Director: Dany Pépin
- Graphic Designers: Catherine Wilkie, Dany Pépin
- Web Designer: David Ramalho
Motion Designers: Catherine Wilkie, Stephanie Paiement - Kipnes Lantern Producer: David Leclerc
- Creative Design Manager: Carey van Eden RGD
- Freelance Production Designer: Tom Crilley
