In 1997, Edmontonians opened the Francis Winspear Centre for Music because they recognized a need for a world-class stage to present outstanding quality music for Edmonton – for their community.
Edmontonians are still building their Winspear …
With hundreds of musical guests, including your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, performing each year on our stage, tell us your favourite musical moment at Winspear Centre.
Whether it be a special date, a wedding proposal, or a girl’s night out, share your Winspear memories with us.
Winspear Centre is the home to your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. What is your most memorable moment at the Symphony?
Over 225,000 people come to Winspear Centre every year to perform, hold events or be entertained. As a part of your community, what role is your Winspear?
Winspear Centre promotes education, artistic development and accessible entertainment. What’s your passion?
I just wanted to tell you about my last visit to the Winspear. It was on the last Sunday Showcase on January 31st, and I brought my 4-year old daughter, Jules. This was her first visit to the Winspear and her first time to hear classical music live. She was so excited for this experience. She wore her most beautiful party dress and her “high heel” shoes. When we walked into the auditorium, she was just in awe. Of course she liked that every was looking at her and saying how cute she is but as a teeny, tiny 4-year old, it was probably the most amazing building she’s ever been in. We took our seats and I explained a few things to her about he instruments, what was going to happen and how to behave. When the music started she immediately smiled and started swaying back and forth. For the rest of the performance she stood looking over the railing, moving to the rhythm and waving her arms back and forth. She was in heaven! It was so wonderful to watch her experience the music with all of her senses.
When it was over I asked her if she liked it and she said “Oh yes!” and jumped up and down. I look forward to taking her and my 6-year old daughter to the symphony throughout our lives so that they too can develop a love of music, the same gift my mother gave me. Thanks to the Winspear and the ESO for creating one of the most memorable moments for my daughter and I.
-Mary G
Melcor Developments believes passionately in what the Winspear Centre brings to Edmonton. It’s our community treasure!
The Winspear Centre wants to thank everyone at Melcor for becoming the first corporate supporter of the My Winspear campaign. …
I started working full time promoting music on the 2nd of January 1985. I had been hired to coordinate concerts at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary.
During the first few months I had the …
The ESO wouldn’t be the leading ensemble it is without the stunning concert hall which it is able to call its home. As Bill Dimmer, the ESO’s Assistant Principal Trumpet has told me, ‘the Winspear Centre is the 57th instrument in our orchestra’.
I have seen young children just open up personally with an instrument in their hands. They don’t have to go on and become musicians to enjoy and grow from the experience of learning the art of music.
And then there is the pulse of vibrant activity I sense when I walk into the building for an evening performance. I have spent many hours inside the hall, listening to our excellent ESO as well as many other genres of music from Richard Margison to Omara Portuondo.
Our wedding ceremony was in a truly beautiful venue, and our interactions with every staff member from the Winspear were wonderful throughout. We had a lovely and a meaningful wedding ceremony, I have nothing but great memories of the planning and the day.
As a board chair for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Winspear Centre, I am well aware of the dictum that “thou shalt not interfere in the artistic operations of the resident orchestra”. You can imagine my chagrin when, at a charity event, my wife purchased the opportunity for me to CONDUCT the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
In 1997, Edmontonians opened the Francis Winspear Centre for Music because they recognized a need for a world-class stage to present outstanding quality music for Edmonton – for their community.
Edmontonians are still building their Winspear …
On June 1 we invited the Edmonton Bicycle Commuter’s Society to a performance in celebration of Bike Month.
