A new chapter in Edmonton's vibrant music scene is about to begin. With a historic agreement signed recently, the beloved Conservatory of Music will transfer from MacEwan University to Edmonton's Francis Winspear Centre for Music. Effective June 30, 2025, this exciting transition will continue the Conservatory of Music's rich heritage of inspiring and nurturing musical talent across our community.
"I am thrilled that the Winspear Centre will be carrying on the Conservatory's important legacy of music education here in Edmonton," says Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor, MacEwan University. "Between MacEwan University and the Winspear Centre, students will have incredible opportunities to build and pursue their passion for music."
"We are delighted to welcome the Conservatory students and instructors into the Winspear family," says Annemarie Petrov, president and CEO of the Winspear Centre. "The addition of the Conservatory and its programming aligns perfectly with our mission of fulfilling the human need to make and share music."
Each year, more than 100 Conservatory teachers work with approximately 2,000 students of all ages, experiences, interests and abilities - from toddlers in early childhood music education programming to veteran performers honing their talents. Conservatory alumni have studied at some of the world's most prestigious musical institutions and perform locally and abroad.
"The Winspear is committed to continuing the Conservatory's high standard of excellence in music education," says Petrov. "The Conservatory has always offered a range of programs, which complement our existing music education programming. This will be an exciting part of our expansion, which will allow us to engage 50,000 Albertans in education programs every year - providing opportunities for people of all abilities to explore their love of music."
The two organizations will work together to facilitate transitioning program administration to the Winspear Centre, and to welcome students and instructors to the Winspear family.
"I am so pleased that we were able to work with the Winspear to set the stage for the next phase in the Conservatory's evolution," says Dr. Trimbee. "Annemarie Petrov was recently presented with an honourary doctorate from MacEwan and our two organizations are both committed to building the future of arts and culture in our city, and the revitalization of the downtown core."
About the Conservatory
Our students walk in the footsteps of some of the province's most illustrious musicians and performers, carrying on a musical tradition that began at Alberta College in 1903. Conservatory of Music students are of all ages and experiences, from toddlers in our Music in Early Childhood Education program to veteran performers honing their talent with our acclaimed instructors. Many of our alumni have studied at some of the world's most prestigious musical institutions and performed locally and abroad. Each year, more than 100 teachers instruct and inspire upwards of 2,000 students at the Conservatory of Music. These students encompass a mosaic of interests and abilities, from professional musicians to anyone who simply wishes to explore their love of music.
About the Winspear Centre
The Winspear Centre is one of the finest performance spaces and best acoustic concert halls in North America. Located in the heart of Edmonton's Arts District, the Winspear Centre is home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Tommy Banks Centre for Musical Creativity. The Winspear is currently undergoing a transformation into a world-class music centre for everyone, with community programs, classrooms, immersive spaces and a second performance hall. For more information about the expansion project, visit https://www.winspearexpansion.ca/.
