Donor Michael Nesbitt on the opening of the ‘world-class’ Desautels Concert Hall
For Michael Nesbitt [BA/57, BComm/56, LLD/15], seeing the new Desautels Concert Hall for the first time was “an outstanding event in his life.”
The new hall will be christened with a Grand Opening concert in just a few days, on Sept. 5. The magnificent, state-of-the art performance venue boasts an impressive entrance and lobby area, beautiful auditorium architecture and superb acoustics, and a configurable stage for a variety of performances.
As one of several key supporters of the project, Nesbitt’s motivation stemmed from the idea that “great universities deserve great artistic venues.”
He also wanted to share his deep appreciation of opera and musical performance. The world-class facility would give others “the opportunity to enjoy what I have enjoyed,” he says — to enhance the lives of other Manitobans as he feels his own life has been enhanced by the arts.
Beyond his generous financial donation, Nesbitt, who is an avid visual art lover, has loaned two important pieces of art that will elevate the venue. A gleaming silver sculpture “Forever Bicycles” by renowned artist Ai Weiwei marks the entrance, while a striking Sol LeWitt wall-drawing graces the building’s foyer.
Watch the video for glimpses of the new venue and to hear more about Nesbitt’s motivation as a donor.
A performance space and rental facility: The new Desautels Concert Hall provides UM musicians — students and instructors alike — with a state-of-the art venue for their performances and training. The concert hall is also connected to bright, new rehearsal spaces where performers can warm up and rehearse before and during events.
With its gorgeous architecture and acoustics, flexible stage design and intimate seating layout, the concert hall is an ideal venue for a variety of Winnipeg’s musical and artistic organizations, creating expanded performance opportunities in a beautiful setting.
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