Return to Pollack Concert Hall ‘a homecoming’ for the Schulich School of Music
Newly renovated venue, which incorporates new accessibility features while preserving famed acoustics, will be ‘a place of learning, creativity and collaboration.’
By Stephanie Wereley
Community members at the Schulich School of Music are ready to return to Pollack Concert Hall, set to reopen after two years of renovations.
“I cannot express how excited I am to be in Pollack Hall again,” said Danielle Gaudry, an Associate Professor at the Schulich School of Music.
“We are truly lucky to have been able to revitalize this space that is so crucial to what we do here. This Hall has been the setting of so many memorable performances, recordings and milestones, and it’s really a part of our artistic and educational identity.”
Students and faculty members will use the Hall for teaching and learning, including performances, rehearsals and sound recording.
Welcome home
The Hall’s first major renovation in over 20 years has refreshed its interiors while preserving the venue’s renowned acoustics.
“For students who were here prior to the renovation it will be a homecoming,” said Gaudry. “For many others it will be an introduction to a place that will be important to their educational journey, and where they will make important memories.”
Performers will be able to rehearse and perform in the same venue, enabling them to become familiar with its acoustics.
“When you get to rehearse in the same place you perform, that factors into how you play,” said Gaudry. “It allows you to focus on the music and the collaborative aspect of your performance.”
Performance students will note the renovated orchestra pit and redesigned backstage and facilities for artists, ensuring improved accessibility and functionality for artists and production teams. Sound recording students will use the Hall as a learning space, putting lessons from rehearsals into practice for performances.
“It’s really exciting to be the first ones to play in Pollack post-renovation, and to see all the scaffolding come down in front of the building,” said Juliana Cao, B.Mus. student and concertmaster of the McGill Symphony Orchestra.
“I’m excited for the future concerts, recitals, and recording projects that will take place in here. The hall is beautiful and it’s really nice to be able to not only perform but also rehearse in here.”
Be our guest
The new space welcomes not only those at the School, but also guests from the surrounding community.
Audience members will find a more welcoming entrance, new seats and a modernized lounge area. It also features enhanced audiovisual capabilities and numerous accessibility improvements, including gender-inclusive washrooms.
“Being back in this revitalized and updated space will allow us to be more inclusive and help us invite new audiences in,” said Gaudry.
Among the guests expected at the Hall this fall are members of the McGill Honour Band, consisting of select high school students who rehearse and perform in an annual one-day event with Schulich musicians. The event takes place Nov. 20, conducted by Gaudry.
Audiences are also invited to attend Pollack Concert Hall’s Celebration Series: six concerts showcasing the breadth of talent at the School. Events take place Sept. 19 to Nov. 22, and tickets are now on sale.
“Audience members will be able to experience the true musical excellence we have at the School,” said Gaudry. “There’s really something for everyone, and I think they’ll be really impressed.”
The series will serve as the Hall’s official opening event, but it’s just a first step in welcoming Montrealers to experience world-class performers and composers.
“This is a place of learning, creativity and collaboration,” said Gaudry. “It’s taken two years, but I think everyone will see the value of that once we’re back in the Hall.”
