Secrets of the Whales

From the creative genius of Academy Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron and acclaimed National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry, the Emmy-winning Disney+ original series Secrets of the Whales takes audiences on an epic journey into the lives of whales, revealing that they are far more like us than ever imagined. See highlights from the series alongside a 40-piece orchestra and live narration by celebrated musician, actor, and author Jann Arden. 

Filmed over a period of three years across 24 global locations, Secrets of the Whales submerges audiences deep into the lives of five different whale families: orcas, humpbacks, belugas, narwhals, and sperm whales. Now this awe-inspiring documentary comes to the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons in an unforgettable live film in concert. National Geographic Film Concert: Secrets of the Whales condenses the award-winning four-part series into the highlights of lush footage underscored by new orchestrations by composer Raphaelle Thibaut and a live 40-piece orchestra led by acclaimed conductor Anthony Parnther. Calgary’s engagement of National Geographic Film Concert: Secrets of the Whales will also feature a very special guest narrator, Jann Arden. 

Music Director of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra in San Bernardino, California, Anthony Parnther is a regular feature of the scoring stages of Los Angeles, London, Nashville, Budapest, and San Francisco. He has led and conducted recording sessions for many of the world's top international feature films, television series, and video game franchises including Avatar: The Way of Water, Encanto, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian. Raphaelle Thibaut has been a composer for global brands and major Hollywood productions like Incredibles 2 and The Act.   

A Calgary native, Jann Arden is one of the country’s most beloved artistic talents. Throughout her multi-platinum career, Arden has released 15 albums with 19 top ten singles, won 8 JUNO Awards including Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, 10 SOCAN Awards and 4 Western Canadian Music Awards. She is also an inductee of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, has a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame, and has been awarded the Order of Canada.   

Witness the incredible and tender moments as these majestic creatures make lifelong friendships, teach clan heritage and traditions to their young, and grieve deeply for the loss of loved ones—just like us—in a stunning film concert experience in the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons. Taking place over Earth Day 2024, experience a story that will leave you breathless at the wonder and importance of preserving our natural world.

PLEASE NOTE: The escalators are out of order in the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons. For ticket holders with seats above the Mezzanine level, the +15 Gallery Hallway door will be open for entry.  If you have mobility issues, please contact our box office at 403-294-9494 or email boxoffice@artscommons.ca to review your accessibility options. 

The performance on Sunday, April 21 is now sold out!