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About the Arrata Opera Centre
In July of 2005 Calgary Opera took over the old Wesley United Church, converting it into the Calgary Opera Centre. Located in the busy Beltline District, at the corner of 13th Avenue and 7th Street S.W., this beautiful heritage building has taken Calgary Opera to a whole new level offering unprecedented opportunities for Community Connections and Artistic Development. This building has a rich heritage and for many years was a house of worship, a Sunday school, and an important venue for ceremonies that marked the most momentous occasions in thousands of peoples’ lives.
In 1911, the Wesley congregation established a building fund for the church. Significant contributors included Senator James A. Lougheed, former mayor and provincial cabinet minister William H. Cushing, future mayor Herbert A. Sinott, and future Prime Minister R.B. Bennett.
In 1930, membership of the church exceeded its seating capacity. Assisted by a $10,000 donation from Lachlin McKinnon, the congregation built galleries that increased seating by 50%. The galleries were dedicated to the memory of pioneer mothers of Southern Alberta.
In 1961 a Youth Centre was added to the Christian Education Building. Church membership peaked at 1300 members. Through the 1960s increased suburbanization of Calgary led to a sharp decline in the Wesley Church’s membership. By 1984 the church had fewer than 300 members.
Calgary Opera has converted the old Wesley Church into a working Opera Centre, where the company has its administrative offices, rehearsal hall, wardrobe shop, and education wing. Rehearsals, recitals, and events now take place in the beautiful and inspiring setting of the former sanctuary.
In April 2007 Said Arrata became the naming benafactor of the newly named Arrata Opera Centre. Mr. Arrata's donation is the largest individual gift ever to be given to Calgary Opera.
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Said S. Arrata