Winspear Centre

Disney Symphony, on Valentines Day, at the Windspear. You couldn’t ask for a more heart-​warming, blissful experience. New to Windspear, and the Edmonton Symphony, I was completely lost for words. Our seats were in the first row of the gallery but the warming embrace of the music made me feel like I was front and center, with no one else in the room. The acoustics are nothing I have ever heard before and I was completely taken away. I even shed tears of true happiness during the song Beauty and the Beast. This was definitely an exquisite evening, nothing short of breathtaking.

I love this place. I do. Whether you’re there to see the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra or one of the many concert or shows they put on, you’re in for a treat in this building. There really are not many ‘bad’ seats. Yes, the very back of the balcony’s might not have the best sight lines, but the sound there is so impeccable that you don’t miss much. The sound? The sound. Oh man, the sound. As one of the most acoustically balanced sound halls in North America, the sound here is incredible. I’ve been both in the seats and on the stage, and it doesn’t matter.
But if you want to see this building shine, get tickets to the ESO. They do so many shows, from the traditional classical music, to (what we saw last) Disney Songs! There’s bound to be something you like somewhere in the season! I love their tribute nights to movies, Broadway, TV or whatever they decide to do. I’ve never seen a bad show put on by this team.

I have been here twice in a month… At the beginning of the month for the Salute to Vienna New Year Concert (which is becoming a NY tradition, we hope [this is our 2^nd year straight]) and this evening for the 50^th Anniversary Concert of the U of A Music Faculty :-)
It is a really great venue with NO bad seat in the house and the sound, no matter the music, is beautiful :-) They use lighting in the hall to accentuate the performance and though large, it feels quite intimate.
The Staff is quite nice and ready to assist with directions and information, always. During a performance, you can pre purchase a beverage to have ready to enjoy during intermission as well.
Parking, though paid, is EASILY available between the parkades surrounding the Winspear to using the LRT and bus since most all transit meets in this area of the downtown :-) And if you are hungry, now there is Normand’s at the Citadel serving dinner :-)
SO glad to have this venue and always featuring diverse, very enjoyable and accessible performances all year round.

Everytime I come to the Winspear Centre, I get excited about having such an amazing venue located in downtown Edmonton. It’s such a beautiful place! When you come here to watch a performance, you really feel like it’s a special occasion!
The Winspear Centre is conveniently located in downtown Edmonton next to Sir Winston Churchill Square. There are plenty of areas available for parking, in and around the nearby facilities (eg. City Hall, Citadel Theatre, Stanley Milner Library, meters on the street etc). The LRT access is literally right next to the building. I love how it’s easy to get in and out of here. At other venues, I get anxious just thinking about the chaos of crowds and traffic, before and after the show.
Before the show, my mom and I went to the Will Call line to pick up our tickets. We only had a mere 10 minutes, before the show was due to start. The line was long but the service was very quick and efficient. There were three windows with attendants but only one main line in the middle. There was clear signage indicating this was the line to be in. Some people were a bit confused but it all worked out in the end. We made it to our seats on time.
We came here to watch the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert. It was our first time to see it. I guess they have this concert every year! Our seats were in the Upper Circle Centre (2 floors up from the main floor). The view was great! The music was so clear!
From our vantage point, we could see the entire stage. We could see the performers’ faces and even details in their outfits! Without binoculars! Since I am petite, I also appreciated how the people in front of me, did not in any way obstruct my view of the stage. The seats are staggered in such a way that I had a clear view.
This show was jam packed! Full of a variety of talent on one stage! We had the privilege to be entertained by the Strauss Symphony of Canada, Kiev City Ballet, International Champion Ballroom dancers and two excellent opera singers! The soprano was Monica Rebholz from Vienna. The tenor was David Curry from Vancouver. The conductor was Oliver Ostermann from Vienna. All these people have such exceptional talent!
Overall, the show was beautiful! I felt like I was transported to Vienna for a couple of hours. The venue and the show were a perfect match! What a great way to start 2016!

I have come to the Winspear Centre many times over the years to listen to fabulous people in concert, to listen to the symphony and to hear motivational speakers. I have even been fortunate enough to sing here with some choir ensembles. It is the best venue by far for acoustics. It truly doesn’t matter where you sit in the concert hall as the sound is absolutely fabulous anywhere you sit! I will never forget listening to John Legend here. It was like he was in my living room playing for me. And to perform in this venue is equally a treat for many of the same reasons. The staff are always friendly and organized and contribute to making your visit here wonderful.
This past week I came here to attend my cousin’s high school Christmas choir concert. The event was actually held in the foyer of the Winspear. To my surprise, the stage and the sound were wonderful. Maybe not as wonderful if they were in the concert hall but lovely none the less. The back drop of the stage was the beautifully lit Churchill Square. The Christmas lights definitely helped to get you in the holiday spirit.

I am always impressed by my time at the Winspear Center. I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the house. I was there for Hawksley Workman concert and the acoustics were just fantastic. I like the intimate setting and feeling connected to the artist or performer. Wish more artists would do shows here.
The staff is more than happy to direct you to your seats if needed. Underground parking close by is a bonus especially now that it is getting chillier.

I have been to the winspear for many shows including the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Broadway Shows and Stand-​up Comedians. The place is beautiful with great acoustics and comfortable seating. The staff are very friendly and helpful. When a full show is going on they have many beverage stands which the line ups can get a little crazy but seem to move at a good pace. It’s easily accessible with an impark directly behind the building and meter parking directly out front. The LRT access is also right in the building to the underground.
The only thing that has ever bothered me in this place is the lighting. It’s always too bright like the house lights are always on. But I think it’s just the smaller space and the way the light bounces off the stage. I went to a stand up show and the comedian actually asked if they could turn down the house lights which then nothing happened. It is a little weird.

The Winspear is a jewel.
The acoustics are world class. I had the pleasure of hearing a sound check during the Winspear’s debut. Someone played a few notes on a baby grand piano. The clarity and fullness of sound convinced me this is one of the best concert theatres around. Symphony, concerts, their stunning organ being played, ANYTHING is guaranteed to sound remarkable.
I love the architectural economy. The simple elegance of polished concrete, glass, metal, and wood.
But have you noticed the artwork here? Some of the best and brightest of the Alberta art scene have pieces displayed here. Phil Darrah’s massive abstract graces the foyer and every well considered niche holds another artistic gem. I completely enjoy all the events I’ve ever attended here.

5 Stars all around! Beautiful facility, great acoustics and not a bad seat in the house!
I absolutely love coming here for ESO, concerts, plays and even comedians/​public speakers. This place is a gem
Easy accessible by LRT, street parking available (free after 6pm) and there is also a parking lot to the east side of the building which is reasonably priced.

Always enjoy having a date night at the beautiful Winspear Centre and this past Tuesday was no exception! My fiancée took me here on a date to see the Gipsy Kings. The venue is excellent for slightly more intimate performance that deserve a great acoustic space. Seating is always comfortable and plentiful. Staff at the doors are courteous. I would take this concert venue anyday over the dreaded Rexall place or any other larger space.