Students from Holland College’s School of Performing Arts (SoPA) Music Performance program teamed up with SoPA’s Theatre Performance, Dance Performance, and Performing Arts Foundation programs for a gala presentation to celebrate the opening of the college’s new Florence Simmons Performance Hall.

The 303-seat performance hall was a gymnasium and auditorium when it was constructed in 1932 as part of Prince of Wales College; and for almost four decades was a venue for local, regional, national and even international performers. A recent renovation project included the expansion of the stage, and the installation of soft-seating and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, all while honoring the integrity of the room’s art deco features.

The Music Performance students provided the house band for the evening, and performed several numbers that paid homage to the rich cultural history of the room. Anya Smith, a first year student in the program, performed an original song, accompanied by her fellow students, and the concert band and choir rounded out the evening with a rendition of Memories of Old Prince of Wales that brought a tear to more than a few eyes in the audience.

The Music Performance students will be able to use the Florence Simmons Performance Hall for their spring and fall showcases, and for other events throughout the school year.

The full performance and excerpts from the show can be found here.

The Holland College School of Performing Arts is a partnership with Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.