A Brief History of the ProArts Society

The ProArts Society began in 2002. Frequent requests to use the Anglican Cathedral Church of the Redeemer as a venue for concerts and special events confirmed its attractiveness as a site for artistic expression. Registered as an Alberta Historic site in September 1974, the Cathedral is a work of art, with priceless stained glass windows, ornate woodwork and resonant acoustics. All complement artistic expression. Cathedral Dean Rev. Robert Pynn is an ardent supporter of the arts, and Cathedral organist Jim Picken often presented special lunch-hour concerts which were well received. It was clear that with increased promotion, noon-hour concerts could generate a wider audience. A committee was established to investigate the use of the Cathedral as a venue for the performing arts.

When the committee decided to incorporate as a Non-profit Society, it needed a name. Committee members reflected on both the history of the Cathedral and the proposed goals of the Society. The Church of the Redeemer, constructed in 1905, was initially designated a Pro Cathedral, Pro meaning that the church would serve as a temporary Cathedral until a more elaborate structure could be built. For many years, the Church was fondly referred to as "the Pro" and the ProArts Society's name reflects that affectionate term, and the affirmation of the positive role the arts play in our community.

The founders of the ProArts Society were Cathedral members who envisioned a relationship through fine arts events that would draw people into the building and encourage them to return. They envisioned two equal but distinct goals in establishing the Society: to enhance and enrich the arts community in Calgary, and to provide tangible support in the operation and maintenance of the Cathedral. The ProArts Society was registered in Alberta in November 2002, and designated a charitable organization in February 2003. All events presented by the ProArts Society take place in the Cathedral. The Society is separate and distinct, financially and operationally, from the Cathedral.

The early years of the ProArts Society focused mainly on the Wednesday lunch-hour performances. The Society was fortunate to receive the support of local music instructors who used the Music@Noon format to showcase the talents of their students. Pianists from classical through jazz to contemporary performed regularly at the Cathedral. Organists were delighted to play the Cathedral's restored 1905 Casavant Freres pipe organ. Classical guitar concerts were particularly well received, as were performances on the cello, harp, flute and trumpet. Many classically trained vocalists contributed to Music @ Noon, as did writers and poets staging original compositions and readings.

Special events and evening concerts hosted in the early years by the ProArts Society included touring choirs, benefit concerts presented by local musicians, Native Drumming, rush-hour concerts by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and participation in the First Thursday events sponsored by the Olympic Plaza Cultural Development Zone.

The ProArts Society continues to grow and explore new avenues of artistic expression, while remaining true to its vision of enhancing and enriching the Calgary arts community by actively encouraging and facilitating the use of the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer as a venue for artistic expression.