.png)
The highly anticipated Desautels Concert Hall has officially opened its doors at the University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus, marking a significant milestone for the province's arts community.
The state-of-the-art venue, designed with "acoustic perfection and versatility in mind," is set to become a cornerstone of Manitoba’s cultural life.
The concert hall opened on Sept. 5 at a special grand opening event hosted by Classic 107's Simeon Rusnak. It featured a number of special guests and performances, headlined by UM alum William Prince.
The evening also featured members of the esteemed faculty including coloratura soprano Tracy Dahl, together with former pupil and fellow soprano Andriana Chuchman and collaborative pianist Laura Loewen, along with The Borealis Piano Trio and the Desautels Jazz Faculty Quintet.
The new 407-seat facility offers a world-class experience for both performers and audiences. With professional-grade sound recording equipment, an orchestra pit, and dedicated spaces for both choirs and orchestras, the hall is uniquely equipped to host a wide range of performances. The intimate design and focus on acoustic excellence ensure that classical music performances will be showcased in their full brilliance.
A hub for Winnipeg's growing arts scene
Michael Nesbitt, a key supporter of the hall, emphasized the importance of such a venue for the university and the broader community. “Great universities deserve great artistic venues,” said Nesbitt in an interview with UM. His financial support, along with donations from others in the community, has brought the concert hall to life, providing a new space for both students and professionals to showcase their talents.
The hall is not only a significant addition to the University of Manitoba but also fills a gap in Winnipeg's arts infrastructure. It is the only performance venue of its size in the southern part of the city, which makes it a vital new resource for artists across the province.
“Spaces like this demonstrate who we are as a civilization and what’s important to us,” said Louise May in an interview with the UM. May's parents, Shirley and William Loewen, made a financial donation to purchase the concert grand piano, renowned for its clarity and nuance. UM says the piano is "among the best in the world."
A testament to philanthropy
The opening of the Desautels Concert Hall also highlights the crucial role of philanthropy in shaping cultural institutions. Along with the Loewen family’s contribution, Dr. Marcel Desautels’ $20 million donation, with $10 million specifically designated for the concert hall, was instrumental in bringing the venue to fruition.
The concert hall is also enriched by visual arts, with two significant works loaned by Nesbitt: Ai Weiwei’s "Forever Bicycles" sculpture at the entrance and a Sol LeWitt wall drawing in the foyer. These additions further integrate artistic expression into the building’s fabric, reflecting the University of Manitoba’s commitment to the arts.
A future cultural cornerstone
As the Desautels Concert Hall opens its doors to the public, it promises to be a lasting hub for artistic excellence in Manitoba. “Music is universal, so there’s no question in my mind that the hall will be of real interest not only to local artists but also to performers from around the world,” said Nesbitt.
The public can experience this new cultural space by attending the Grand Opening Concert Series, offering a first glimpse into what is set to become one of Manitoba’s most celebrated venues.