MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - March 26, 2012) - National Bank is pleased to announce that it has renewed its partnership with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM). As a partner for the 2012-2013 season, the Bank will be supporting 56 concerts to be held in the OSM's new home, and will be presenting the orchestra's Opening Concert, in addition to the "National Bank Great Events" series, an opportunity for season ticket holders to extend the magic even after the performance has ended.

This is the Bank's seventh consecutive year partnering with the OSM. In its role as Season Collaborator, National Bank will be treating music lovers to Mahler's Symphony No. 2, known as the Resurrection, in the season's opening concert on September 5, 2012. The musicians, under the direction of Conductor Kent Nagano, with soloists Christina Landshamer (Soprano) and Anke Vondung (Mezzo-Soprano) and the OSM Chorus, will be performing this grandiose opus.

"National Bank is honoured to renew its partnership agreement with the OSM for another year. The Bank promotes access to the arts and culture in all its activities and partnerships with cultural organizations like the OSM. With the new "National Bank Great Events" series, we're offering a wonderful opportunity for concertgoers to discover the artists' creative vision," noted Diane Giard, Executive Vice-President, Marketing at National Bank.

Every year, through its donations and sponsorships program and the initiatives of its employees, National Bank helps support hundreds of organizations across Canada. It focuses primarily on four main areas of activity-health, education, arts and culture, and community outreach-with the goal of generating positive benefits for communities.

To find out more about National Bank's involvement in the community, visit the portal [ www.commitment.nationalbank.ca ], or consult the Social Responsibility Report at [ www.nbc.ca/socialresponsibility ].

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group that provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. As at January 31, 2012, National Bank has over CDN$175 billion in assets in accordance with IFRS and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 19,785 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). For more information, visit the Bank's website at [ www.nbc.ca ]. To access National Bank of Canada's financial literacy portal, visit [ www.clearfacts.ca ].

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