Category: News

Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation Unveils World-Class Sound Upgrade at Centennial Concert Hall

After months of meticulous planning and collaboration, the Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation (MCCC) is proud to announce a major upgrade to Centennial Concert Hall’s audio infrastructure with the installation of a Meyer Sound Panther line array system—marking a significant leap forward in sound quality, consistency, and production capability.

A Touring-Grade System

The same cutting-edge Meyer Sound Panther rig used by artists such as Metallica and Ed Sheeran now resides in Winnipeg’s premier performance venue. Known for its powerful output, pristine clarity, and compact form, Panther brings touring-level excellence to every performance.

Built by Canada’s Pro Audio Elite

This transformative project was a collaboration between top-tier Canadian audio professionals:

• Sapphire Sound led system integration and commissioning
• GerrAudio Distribution supplied and supported the Meyer Sound technology
• Meyer Sound contributed decades of acoustic innovation
• MCCC’s Audio and Facilities teams managed rigging and infrastructure readiness

Together, they delivered a seamless installation that respects the hall’s acoustic heritage while pushing sonic boundaries.

Why Panther?

Meyer Sound’s Panther is a milestone in line array design—delivering massive SPL (up to 150 dB peak), pristine detail, and unmatched tonal balance in a lightweight, compact cabinet.

• Dual 12″ woofers and 3″ HF compression drivers
• Horizontal coverage options: 80°, 95°, and 110° for flexibility
• Integrated Milan AVB networking and real-time system monitoring
• Self-powered design for clean signal flow
• IP55 rating for durability in permanent installations

Custom-tailored through MAPP 3D modeling, the system provides even coverage across the main floor, mezzanine, and balconies—ensuring every seat experiences the performance exactly as intended.

Precision Tuning, Flawless Performance

Post-installation, the system underwent a full calibration process using Meyer Sound Compass software:

• Time alignment of all loudspeakers to ensure phase coherence and a unified wavefront for the audience
• EQ adjustment to achieve consistent tonal balance across the coverage area
• Subwoofer configuration in a cardioid pattern to reduce rearward low-frequency energy, improving clarity on stage and minimizing bass buildup at the rear of the room.

The result is a system that delivers high intelligibility and musicality, while remaining sonically transparent supporting the performance without drawing attention to itself.

Always Show-Ready

Previously, performances often relied on rented systems for large productions. Now the venue has a stage of the art system in place for all shows.

• The system is optimized for the venue’s exact acoustics
• Capable of handling everything from orchestras and choirs to musicals and arena-scale acts with no compromises.

Robert Olson, MCCC CEO

“This permanent install brings both peace of mind and performance power—eliminating logistical headaches while elevating every event.”

Experience the Sound

This project is more than an upgrade—it’s a new chapter for Centennial Concert Hall. A celebration of sound, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We invite audiences and artists alike to come hear the difference.

The following appointments and reappointments have been made to the Board of Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation:

• Alan Goddard (Chair) was appointed to the Board effective August 14, 2024
• Brian Pincott was appointed to the Board effective August 14, 2024
• Robert Vineberg was appointed to the Board effective August 14, 2024
• Angela Heck was appointed to the Board effective August 14, 2024
• Brendan McKeen was appointed to the Board effective August 14, 2024
• Shana Menkis was appointed to the Board effective August 14, 2024
• Alfred Lea was reappointed to the Board effective August 14, 2024
• David Martin was reappointed to the Board effective August 14, 2024
• Heba Abd El Hamid was reappointed to the Board effective August 14, 2024
• Robert Loiselle was appointed to the Board effective November 6, 2024

The following appointments and reappointments have been made to the Board of Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation:

• Alfred Lea was reappointed to the Board effective August 19, 2022
• Mychelle Houde was appointed to the Board effective August 25, 2022
• Shannon Stefanson was appointed to the Board effective August 25, 2022
• Cameron Hay was reappointed to the Board effective August 25, 2022
• Dr. Gurinder Randhawa was appointed to the Board effective October 17, 2022
• Mercedes Caron was reappointed to the Board effective October 21, 2022
• David Martin was reappointed to the Board effective October 17, 2022
• Karl Loepp was reappointed to the Board as Chair effective December 14, 2022
• Kirsten Albo has been reappointed to the Board as Vice-Chair effective August 29, 2023
• Heba Abd El Hamid has been appointed to the Board effective August 29, 2023

TENDER AWARDED FOR RENOVATIONS TO CENTENNIAL CONCERT HALL

The Manitoba government is awarding a $12.5-million tender for upgrades and renovations to the Centennial Concert Hall to restore the building’s exterior, Sport Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox and Central Services Minister Reg Helwer announced today.

“The concert hall was constructed in 1967 and it is one of the most prominent buildings of the Manitoba Centennial Centre. It is home to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Opera and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet,” said Cox. “The work of this project will help maintain its designation as a building with potential historical significance and ensure it remains a cornerstone of Manitoba’s cultural community in the years ahead.”

Bockstael Construction is the successful proponent the construction manager on the project. The company will be in charge of ensuring the project is progressing safely, on time and on budget. It is expected the project will be completed in 2022, Helwer noted.

“The concert hall was built more than 50 years ago, and the time has come to restore and reinstall the building’s iconic Tyndall cladding and make upgrades to the roof system, windows and doors,” said Helwer. “This investment builds on other work in recent years and will ensure the building able to operate for many years to come.”

The project includes:
• removing approximately 40,000 square feet of existing stone cladding and the existing support system to accommodate the new assembly and reinstallation of the stone cladding,
• adding fixed fall protection,
• installing a new roof drainage system,
• remediating any hazardous materials as required, and
• upgrading windows and doors.
 
The ministers noted the Centennial Concert Hall is one of the most prominent buildings of the Manitoba Centennial Centre. As viewed from Main Street, the Centennial Concert Hall’s dramatic entry façade flanked by towers clad in Tyndall stone has become an important Winnipeg landmark, placing a high level of significance on its maintenance and preservation.

For more information on the concert hall, visit: https://centennialconcerthall.com.

View original Manitoba Government News post at news.gov.mb.ca/news

MCCC launches a modern website for the Manitoba Production Centre. The new site features updated photos, facility information, and floor plans for potential clients to view.

Manitoba Production Centre is Winnipeg MB’s only sound stage with a 15,000 square foot studio, carpentry shop and many other amenities. MPC is a division of the Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation, we look forward to serving the local film industry for years to come.

Visit the new site at manitobaproductioncentre.ca

TWO APPOINTMENTS MADE TO MANITOBA CENTENNIAL CENTRE CORPORATION BOARD

Original MB Government article

Two appointments have been made to the board of the Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation (MCCC), Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today.

“The Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation is one of the cornerstones of the Manitoba cultural community and we look forward to continued strong leadership,” said Cox.  “The board of directors is dedicated to the continued cultivation of great art and the delivery of great performances.”

One member has been reappointed and one new member has been added to the board:

• Karl Loepp (Winnipeg) has been reappointed as the chair for a second term.  Loepp is the chief operating officer and founder of Private Pension Partners Inc., offering portfolio and asset management services.  He has previously served as chair of the MCCC and also serves on the board of the Jocelyn Hutton Foundation, a Winnipeg hospice care facility.
• Trevor Ahluwalia, (Winnipeg) has been appointed as a new member.  Ahluwalia is the former president and CEO of the Clay Oven Restaurants.  He also serves on the YMCA board of directors, and is a member of several other community-based committees such as Hoops for the Heart.

The minister thanked the outgoing board member for their service.

The minister noted these appointments are part of the Manitoba government’s efforts to continue to refresh the agencies, boards and commissions of our Province, ensuring that Manitobans continue to be represented in these important positions by highly qualified and enthusiastic individuals.