Live music lives in the heart of Mount Royal University
Officially opening in 2015, one of Canada’s largest musical teaching institutions has become a staple venue for bands, comedians, orchestras, choirs, and plenty of other unique creatives.
The Bella Concert Hall is a stunning display of love for the arts, built by people who do, in fact, love the arts. As the shining jewel of the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts, the hall hosts and showcases the talents of artists from across the city.
“Being at the Bella feels special because everything is closer. The players are closer, the audience feels closer because it’s smaller, and you just kind of feel very enveloped in there,” said Juliane Gallant, resident conductor and artistic advisor for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Located on Mount Royal University campus, the Bella Concert Hall is part of the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts. This centre also includes the Mount Royal Conservatory, various studio spaces, and educational music facilities.
A perk of having the institution on campus is that post-secondary students have access to the music spaces, fostering creative growth and expression. The Calgary Youth Orchestra makes great use of facilities, both the conservatory and the Bella Concert Hall.
“It’s a place that is accessible to people who are studying, and young people get to perform there too. So it becomes part of the community in a different way,” said Gallant.
To pay tribute to Mount Royal’s history, the building was designed with a rural barn-inspired look. “The Barn” was a nickname given by students and staff to the original building on campus. The exterior of the building features a grey metal and copper style, with slats that resemble wood. The interior walls are covered in beautiful cherry wood, and spacious windows give the inside a cozy feel by letting in plenty of natural light.
Due to the various artists, such as choirs, orchestras, vocalists and bands, having top-notch acoustics within the hall was a high priority during construction. If you take a look up at the roof of the hall, you’ll notice a carefully designed Alberta rose, which was acoustically engineered to create amazing sound.
“The sound travels so well, it really feels like the sound comes to you and you’re not having to make the effort to listen to what’s happening on stage. It’s very warm, it feels like the hall is giving you a hug,” said Gallant.
Gallant believes the vibe and atmosphere of the hall are something that make it special. The cozy, personalized atmosphere makes it feel like you’re the only one in the audience, which elevates the experience and performance.
“I think we’re really lucky, actually, that we have a number of very beautiful halls that have really good sound, which means that artists like to perform in Alberta,” said Gallant.
Some artists who have previously performed at the hall include (but are not limited to) Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Alireza Talischi, the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, and Veronica Swift.
Every year, the Philharmonic Orchestra does two “smaller, more intimate” shows at the Bella, funded by the Taylor family. Back in 2010, the family made a generous donation to Mount Royal University for the construction of the Taylor Centre of Performing Arts and all its facilities. The hall is named after Mary Belle Taylor, the matriarch of the Taylor family and mother of Don Taylor.
The Taylor Family Foundation is not only a big supporter of MRU, but also of the arts and culture in Calgary.
Back in 2010, the family made a generous donation to Mount Royal University for the construction of the Taylor Centre of Performing Arts and all its facilities.
“It very much is like a home of music education in the city,” said Gallant. “It spans a lot of different levels of music making, which I think is super special.”
Upcoming events at the hall include performances by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, Mountain Film, and many other talented artists.
If you’re looking to book, the hall is available on the Mount Royal website, and all it takes is a quick call or email to the MRU events team. Tickets for events are posted on the Taylor Centre for Performing Arts website.
Live music still has a home at MRU … and it’s a beautiful one to boot.
QUICK FACTS:
Address: 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW
Hours: Varies upon event.
Capacity: 800 Seats, and a 90-piece orchestra.
Rent for: Weddings, receptions, concerts, film screenings, dance performances, meetings, and much more.
Upcoming events:
Baroque at Bella with Camille Delaforge on February 5 at 7:30 p.m.
The Art of Romance, Art of Soul on February 8 at 7 p.m.
Love Is In The Air Valentine’s Cabaret on February 14 at 8 p.m.
