Pollack Concert Hall, located in McGill University’s Strathcona Music Building, is the Schulich School of Music’s largest performance venue and has been at the heart of music-making at McGill for more than 50 years. Inaugurated in 1975 and named in honour of Maurice Pollack, the hall has welcomed generations of students, faculty members, guest artists, and audiences.
Renowned for its exceptional acoustics and intimate connection between performers and audiences, the 600-seat concert hall hosts more than 300 concerts and events each year and is home to a wide range of performances, from solo recitals and chamber music to large ensembles, as well as lectures and special events.
Following a major renewal, Pollack Hall will reopen in September 2026 with significant improvements designed to enhance the experience of performers and audiences while preserving the outstanding acoustical qualities that have long defined the hall. The renewed venue offers an enhanced stage and performance environment, improved accessibility and audience amenities, and upgraded technical infrastructure to support the evolving needs of today’s musicians and music-making.
More than a performance venue, Pollack Hall is an essential part of teaching and learning at the Schulich School of Music, providing students with invaluable opportunities to learn, rehearse, perform, and grow as artists. Its stage showcases the artistry of Schulich students and faculty alongside distinguished guest artists, while also welcoming performers and organizations from across Montreal’s vibrant music community.
Supported for decades by the Pollack Foundation, Pollack Hall entered a new chapter in 2026 thanks to a transformative lead gift from an anonymous donor. This extraordinary generosity ensures that the hall will continue to be a vital home for learning, artistic excellence, and community engagement for generations to come.
Directions
Pollack Hall and the Box Office are directly inside the main entrance of McGill University's Strathcona Music Building, in downtown Montreal.
Location
- 555 Sherbrooke Street West (rue Sherbrooke Ouest), between University Street (rue University) and Aylmer Street (rue Aylmer).
- There is a statue of Queen Victoria on the front steps of the building.
By metro or bus
- McGill metro (green line): Take the University St. (rue University) exit. Walk north, up the small hill, one block to Sherbrooke St. Cross Sherbrooke St. and turn right.
- Bus 24 (Sherbrooke) stops in front of Strathcona Music Building.
Parking
We do not have on-site parking for the public. On-street metered parking is available in the downtown core. For information about on-site parking permits, visit the McGill Parking website, or call 514-398-4559.
Accessibility
For hall accessibility information, please visit our Accessibility in Our Halls and Facilities page.
Booking or renting the hall
Pollack Hall is available for rental when not in use for educational purposes. We prioritize bookings in this order:
- Schulich School of Music students and faculty (educational purposes)
- Returning rental clients
- All other rental clients, please complete the
Event Booking Request Form for approval.
Additional services
- Instrument rental
- McGill website event listing
- Box Office and ticket sales support
Rental rates
The following rates are valid from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) as well as the Quebec Sales Tax (QST) will be charged in accordance to the law.
HALL CAPACITY: 600
| HALL RENTAL Rates | Concerts | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
|
Basic rental (6 hours) – Monday to Friday |
$3,200.00 |
|
Basic rental (6 hours) – Saturday and Sunday |
$3,500.00 |
|
Overtime (hourly rate; over 6 hours) – Monday to Friday |
$300.00 |
|
Overtime (hourly rate; over 6 hours) – Saturday and Sunday |
$350.00 |
|
Reception – upon request, in advance and pending approval (East Lounge – for a maximum of 2 hours) |
$350.00 |
|
Projector and screen installation/use (pending approval/availability) |
TBC |
| HALL RENTAL Rates | Rehearsals | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Rates include a stage manager. | |
|
Basic rental (6 hours) – Monday to Friday |
$1,800.00 |
|
Basic rental (6 hours) – Saturday and Sunday |
$2,100.00 |
|
Overtime (hourly rate; over 6 hours) – Monday to Friday |
$135.00 |
|
Overtime (hourly rate; over 6 hours) – Saturday and Sunday |
$220.00 |
| RATES FOR RECORDING PROJECTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Rates do not include the recording studios, chief recording technician or instruments. Rates include a stage manager. | |
| Weekdays- Maximum 12 hours | $2,000.00 |
| Weekends - Maximum 12 hours | $3,000.00 |
| Weekdays- Maximum 6 hours | $1,500.00 |
| Weekends - Maximum 6 hours | $2,000.00 |
| STAFFING – (in accordance with item 7 “Operating Regulations”) | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
|
Special event staffing fee |
$475.00 |
|
Operations manager (hourly rate) |
$75.00 |
|
Stage manager |
$65.00 |
|
Stage hand (hourly rate – minimum 4 hours) |
$45.00 |
|
Live sound technician (hourly rate – minimum 4 hours) |
$65.00 |
| Assistant Recording Tech (Recording Project) | $45.00 |
| Webcast Facilitator | $60.00 |
| Webcast Technician | $45.00 |
|
Event staffers (maximum of 4) – (the number of event staffers hired will be in accordance with security regulations for a maximum of 4 hours per event staffer) |
Included in rental |
|
Event staffer (s) (extra event staffer or overtime – hourly rate, above 4 hours, per event staffer |
$45.00 |
|
Coat room attendant (hourly rate – minimum 4 hours) (upon request and pending availability) |
$45.00 |
|
Box Office employee – hourly rate (upon request, in advance and pending availability) |
$45.00 |
|
Security/porter (hourly rate – minimum 4 hours) – subject to change |
$75.00 |
| Porter/Security (when buildings are closed) | $750.00 |
| INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
|
Piano (Steinway) |
|
|
$425.00 |
|
$250.00 |
|
$175.00 |
|
$100.00 |
|
Harpsichord |
|
|
$425.00 |
|
$300.00 |
|
According to transport company |
| Celesta | |
| Rental (including one tuning) | $275.00 |
|
Portative organ (pending approval/availability) |
|
|
$425.00 |
|
According to transport company |
| Percussion Rentals are no longer available. | |
| OTHER SERVICES | Amount |
|---|---|
| Box Office Services (1 employee includedto work BO at concert) | $350.00 |
| Publicity - posting of the event on the School's website | Included in hall rental rate |
| Concert Audio Recording | $450.00 |
| One-touch audio | $40.00 |
| One-touch video | $80.00 |
Contact us
Contact the Production Supervisor, johanne.froncioni [at] mcgill.ca (Johanne Froncioni), at 514-398-8993 for more information or to inquire about availabilities.
