Curtain rises on UM’s new Desautels Concert Hall
A masterpiece of art, acoustics, and generosity
The Desautels Concert Hall, a state-of-the-art performance venue in the heart of the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus, opens on September 5. As the finishing touches are put in place, the excitement around Winnipeg’s newest performance venue is palpable. The hall promises to elevate the arts scene not just on campus but throughout the entire province, offering an unparalleled experience in acoustic excellence and artistic expression.
A hub for artistic excellence
The Desautels Concert Hall is a testament to the University of Manitoba’s commitment to the arts and its connection to the broader Winnipeg community. This intimate venue, designed with acoustic perfection in mind, is equipped with professional-grade sound recording equipment, an orchestra pit, staging areas for both orchestras and choirs, and ample facilities for performers of all kinds. The hall’s design and infrastructure ensure it will serve as a versatile space for a wide range of performances, from classical music to contemporary arts.
Michael Nesbitt [BA/57, BComm/56, LLD/15], a key supporter of the concert hall, underscores its significance. “Great universities deserve great artistic venues,” he said. “It seemed to me the logical thing to do would be to try and support the university in getting a concert hall that’s worthy of its name.”
A beacon for the arts community
The opening of the Desautels Concert Hall comes at a crucial time for Winnipeg’s arts scene and is set to fill a significant gap in the city’s cultural landscape. It is the only venue of its size in the south end of the city, making it a vital addition not just for the university but for the entire province.
“Spaces like this demonstrate who we are as a civilization and what’s important to us, and I’m excited to see how the wider community will make use of the hall,” said Louise May [BES/86].
May is the daughter of Shirley and William [CA/54] Loewen, who made a financial donation so the Desautels Faculty of Music could purchase a grand piano for the hall. The concert grand piano is among the best in the world – offering uncommon clarity, richness and nuance that will captivate audiences. It will serve as a wonderful complement to this new space.
The power of generosity
The Desautels Concert Hall is also a testament to the power of philanthropy in shaping educational and cultural institutions.
“My mother had all of us in lessons to a greater or lesser degree,” said May. “I played the piano quite a lot growing up and I know she always loved it when the piano was being played. I would imagine she had this in mind when she decided to make this gift. My dad and I were invited to the hall to see the piano in place, and I played a song on it that my mom always loved. I was very thankful to be able to honour my mom’s gift that way. What a beautiful piano indeed!”
This instrument is not only a valuable addition to the hall but also a crucial tool for teaching and learning, embodying the family’s deep commitment to music education. Their generosity ensures that students in the Desautels Faculty of Music will have access to the best possible resources to hone their craft.
The new hall would not have been possible without the support of the late Dr. Marcel Desautels [BA (LatPh)/55, LLB/59, LLM/65, LLD (Hons)/99], benefactor and namesake for the faculty, who made a generous $20 million gift to the faculty, designating $10 million specifically for a new concert hall. Other generous donors followed his lead, such as Gail Asper [BA/81, LLB/84, LLD/08] who has been a staunch supporter of the arts at UM over the years.
In addition to Nesbitt’s generous financial donation, he has loaned two significant art pieces – a Sol LeWitt wall drawing in the foyer and the iconic “Forever Bicycles” sculpture by Ai Weiwei at the entrance to the building – demonstrating his belief in the importance of integrating visual arts into the fabric of the university’s cultural offerings.
As the curtain rises on the Desautels Concert Hall, it stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when a community comes together in support of the arts. This venue, with its perfect blend of acoustic brilliance, artistic integration, and community support, is poised to become a cornerstone of Manitoba’s cultural life for generations to come.
“Music is universal, so there’s no question in my mind that the hall will be a real interest to not only local artists but also performers from around the world,” said Nesbitt.
Experience the new hall for yourself by attending the Grand Opening Concert Series. More info and tickets available on the website.