Darke Hall comes alive in sold out concert

By Everett Dorma Posted: May 15, 2015 9:00 a.m.

Darke Hall, the performance venue for the University of Regina’s Conservatory of Performing Arts continues its storied role as a centre of musical and theatrical performances and community events.

On Friday, May 15, 2015, a sold out show featuring Juno award winning artist Joel Plaskett is coming to Darke Hall as part of the Regina Folk Festival Concert Series.

Sandra Butel, Artistic Director, Regina Folk Festival says, “Darke Hall is an amazing venue. When you are up on the stage performing, it sounds so great. The acoustics are fantastic. I get goosebumps in that building.”

Home of the Regina Symphony Orchestra from when it first opened in 1929 to 1970, Darke Hall was donated to the Regina College, the predecessor of the University of Regina by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Francis Darke.

Over 100 years ago, the University of Regina began its history at the College Avenue Campus.  While Darke Hall has received some upgrades over the years, the University is planning to restore and revitalize the College Avenue Campus for the future benefit of our students and the community.

Darke Hall will be restored to its original glory while incorporating the functionality of a modern performance hall. It will be a 550-seat, bustling performance centre that the entire community can continue to enjoy.

“We hope the University gets the fundraising it needs that would make Darke Hall a regular venue,” says Butel. “There’s no venue of this size in the city. We need something like this to attract shows like this.”

The College Building and the Conservatory will also be fully restored to support the academic mission of the University of Regina. This revitalization, called Building Knowledge - The College Avenue Campus Renewal Project, is a capital fundraising priority for the University.

For information on the renewal project visit: http://www.uregina.ca/building-knowledge/index.html.