A new stage

“We firmly believe that folks who choose to live outside the big city shouldn’t get short-changed on great arts and culture opportunities”

EXQUISITELY CRAFTED

EXPERIENCE

BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTO BY SERGEI BELSKI

The Polaris Centre for the Performing Arts is an expertly designed facility that offers large-venue convenience with small-venue intimacy.

According to Carlos Foggin, manager of the venue and musical director of Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra (RMSO), the centre was purposely built outside an urban centre and is intended to make the performing arts equally accessible to people who live in town and those who choose to live in the country.

“It’s quite simple – there’s nothing like this in the region,” says Foggin.

“We’ve taken the audience experience of a small club and combined that with the lighting, sound and backstage amenities of a Broadway-style theatre. The artists are delighted with the production options, and the audience enjoys the no-expense-spared club experience, including local beers, hand-crafted cocktails and a world-class wine cellar.”

BUILD UP

The structure was constructed in 2018 and has been undergoing extensive renovations and an expansion since 2019. Occupancy for the building was granted in April of this year.

“The building was essentially a commercial shell,” says Foggin.

“We had to build everything inside. We’ve put in a stage, technical booth, stage drapery, backstage amenities, dressing rooms, lighting, sound system, HVAC, public washrooms, a lobby and a fantastic bar.”

He adds that the project has cost more than $6 million and all of the funding has been sourced privately.

Much care and attention has been put into the seating and all seats are no farther than 50 feet from the stage, giving the venue an intimate feel. The maximum venue capacity is 256 and Foggin says they can remove and rearrange seating as necessary depending on the show and the desired layout. It also includes a blend of small VIP tables with a centre section of theatre-style seating (chairs in rows).

“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that there’s no substitute for live entertainment,” says Foggin.

He adds that the space was purpose-built for music.

“The acoustics are top-notch, which means acoustic concerts are particularly excellent. A purpose-built acoustic music venue on a small scale is not just an important addition to the local arts and culture scene, but also regionally. There’s nothing like this in Calgary, either.”

CONNECTING WITH CONCERTS

Before the pandemic and renovations, the Polaris Centre for Performing Arts hosted a variety of concerts, and future programming includes local and touring country, jazz, pop/rock and classical acts.

“We also have world-class recording and broadcast facilities – so artists can choose to record and broadcast their shows,” Foggin says, adding that RMSO has used these during the pandemic to create content and keep in touch with their patrons.

The Symphony was founded in 2016 and ranges from 20 to 60 members depending on the concert.

He adds it is said that a city can’t claim to have an ‘arts and culture scene’ without an orchestra. The RMSO is a touring orchestra, but always plays at least one concert of each tour at the Polaris Centre for Performing Arts.

“This is a unique opportunity for folks in Airdrie and North/Central Rocky View County to see the concert the orchestra plays,” he adds.

“The symphony experience might be a bit daunting. There is a misconception that it is an elite art form for rich people only. We try to make our concerts fun, accessible and we always try to prepare you for the experience with pre-concert materials which help to explain the music and give you an idea of what to expect.”

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DATE NIGHT

Foggin adds Airdrie and the surrounding area should be proud to have an orchestra of their very own and use it as an opportunity to “get out on the town.”

“There aren’t many opportunities to ‘make a night of it’ anymore, and we hope you’ll take the plunge – break out the stylish duds, make a reservation at a nice restaurant, and experience the thrilling power of a small army of musicians playing with power and precision,” he says.

Foggin adds it is clear to him now that things are opening up that great music and a fantastic audience experience are what people want.

“We firmly believe that folks who choose to live outside the big city shouldn’t get short-changed on great arts and culture opportunities,” he says.

“It is our hope that folks will not think ‘I wonder if there’s anything on at the Polaris Centre’ and instead think, ‘What’s on at the Polaris Centre this weekend?’” life

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For more information on the Polaris Centre for the Performing Arts, visit polariscentre.ca To learn more about the RMSO, visit rockymountainsymphony.ca

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