Alix Goolden Hall

The Alix Goolden Performance Hall, formerly a church sanctuary, is an elegant 800-seat venue featuring fine acoustics, a vaulted ceiling, filigree iron railings, carved wooden pews, and intricate stained glass windows. It is at once spacious and intimate. Named in honour of one of the Conservatory's original founders, the Alix Goolden Performance Hall plays host to many acclaimed international performers, while also serving the needs of the Conservatory students and faculty and the local community.

The hall has hosted readings by such internationally known authors as David Suzuki, Margaret Atwood, Timothy Findley, and Salman Rushdie. It has seen performances by musicians as diverse as Jean Stilwell, Moshe Hammer, Anton Kuerti, the Nylons, Daniel Lanois, the Arrogant Worms, Sarah Harmer and Randy Bachman. Such noted Conservatory alumni as Barbara Livingston and Walter Prossnitz have also performed in the hall.

The hall has gained a national and international profile. It was used as a location for the movie Emile, starring Sir Ian McKellen and has also been spotted in the national media, including CBC TV’s prime time comedy, This Hour Has 22 Minutes.