Calgary, Alberta, December 14, 2012 – Construction of Mount Royal University's new Conservatory officially began during a special ceremony held on campus earlier today.
An original program of Mount Royal, the Conservatory has shared in the institution's dedication to exceptional learning and academic success for the past 101 years.
The creation of a new world-class venue, the only facility of this type in Calgary, will enable the Conservatory to meet the needs of our community with new instructional spaces for private lessons, rehearsal halls for ensembles of all sizes, a dedicated suite for the Conservatory's Early Childhood music programs and the magnificent Bella concert hall.
"This new conservatory and concert hall will help Mount Royal University nurture the artistic potential within each student while promoting Canadian music and culture throughout our community, "
said Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "Our government is proud to invest in this project because it will also generate economic growth and help Calgary remain among the best places in the world to live and visit."
"Mount Royal brings music education to thousands of people every year,"
said Alberta Culture Minister, Heather Klimchuk. "The new Mount Royal Conservatory will make it possible for many more students to share that experience, and the Bella Concert Hall will be a joyful place connecting Calgarians and all Albertans to musical culture. The Government of Alberta is proud to partner with the federal government and the Taylor Family to support this wonderful project."
"This project is the result of twelve years of work and it affords the Conservatory the opportunity for expansion of its community and outreach programs,"
said Director of the Mount Royal Conservatory, Paul Dornian. "It is exciting for us and the community."
"The 800-seat concert hall being built will address the need for a mid-sized performance facility in our community. Both Mount Royal and the community stand to benefit greatly from the construction of this state-of-the-art facility,"
Dornian continued.
The federal and provincial governments are each contributing up to $20 million, the City of Calgary is contributing $10.3 million, and the University is contributing over $3 million in land and project costs. The University would also like to recognize the significant contribution provided by the Taylor family, whose generous $20 million contribution will be reflected in the naming of the Bella Concert Hall in honour of family matriarch, Mary Belle Taylor.
For further information, please contact:
Fred Cheney, Media Relations Officer
Marketing and Communications
Office of University Advancement
Mount Royal University
Office: 403-440-5195
Cell: 403-542-7904
mediarelations@mtroyal.ca
Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
