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THE SANCTUARY
The Sanctuary
Calgary's premier concert venue
A beautiful historic setting for concerts, performances, ceremonies, and community gatherings.
Featuring traditional pew seating, a magnificent pipe organ, stage options, sound and lighting support, and livestream capabilities.
Sunday reservations: After 1 pm.
Seating
Up to 654 seats
Flexible seating configurations for intimate chamber concerts and larger performances.
Configuration
Capacity
Notes
Standard pew seating
588
No additional chairs needed
Full Capacity
654
Includes optional chair sections
Wheelchair Spaces
4
Centre floor, accesible
The Casavant Organ
The largest church organ in Western Canada
Originally built and installed by Casavant Frères in 1912 as Opus 529, the Knox organ was rebuilt and significantly expanded in 1956 and again in 2002. It is a large, versatile four-manual instrument of remarkable power and grace, the largest church organ in Western Canada.
In addition to the Great, Swell, Choir, Resonance, and Pedal divisions, the organ has an antiphonal echo division in the rear gallery, creating an enveloping, multi-directional sound that is unique in Calgary.
The 2002 renovation added a digital capture system with 256 levels of memory, a sequencer, and computer storage for piston settings. In partnership with the Calgary Society of Organists and the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Knox has hosted many international organ virtuosos in recital.
5,018
pipes
95
stops
4
Manuals
Concert Package
Sanctuary Base Rental
Our concert base rental includes support from an experienced Event Coordinator throughout the event.
$1,400
Base rental · Sanctuary concert
Event Coordinator for entire event
Lower Theatre, Labyrinth, and Gathering room included
1 rehearsal (4 hours) included
Sound System
Only Knox staff may operate the in-house sound system. Twelve microphone channels and one handheld microphone are available. Two DI boxes can accommodate two monitors or wedges. Complex requirements and outside providers require advance coordination.
Add-on Pricing
Stage, sound & more
Item
Rate
Notes
Stage
$540
28′ × 11′ × 32″
Choral risers
$168
Maximum 6 risers
Pews removal
$60
3rd row, centre left & right only
Chairs
$2 each
Maximum 48
Music stands
No charge
Maximum 15
Sound + lighting (Knox operator)
$40/hr
From 1 hr before to 1 hr after
Sound + lighting (no operator)
$25/hr
Switch on/off + announcement mic
Commercial power
$250
Casavant pipe organ
$250
Knox-approved organist
Piano (performance)
$150
Piano (extra tuning)
$150
Per rehearsal tuning
Rates reproduced from the supplied design; confirm current availability and pricing with the office.
What guests are saying
Memorable performances. Meaningful experiences.
“Cool Choir LOVED the opportunity to perform at Knox for the first time at Christmas 2016. The venue is acoustically stunning and the supporting staff there just wonderful, kind and very obliging! What a venue! What lovely people! Can’t wait for the next one! THANK YOU!”
- J. Serafi, Founder & Director of the Cool Choir
“Knox United Church is an historical venue, yet still hosting beautiful, musical events today. We held our Amadeus patrons event there in November, 2016. Our guests were delighted with the history and Casavant organ. I would recommend this venue.”
- C. Sheers, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
“This was a great venue for the CHA Lion Awards. Being an historic building, it was a great fit for the Lion Awards. All of the staff was very helpful in ensuring our event was a success. They made helpful recommendations and provided great day-of support for the event.”
- Josh Traptow, Executive Director, Calgary Heritage Authority
Ready to book?
Let's make your event extraordinary.
Our team is ready to help you plan every detail. Tell us a little about your event, and we'll help you find the right space.
Contact us
Phone: (403) 269-8382
Email: office@knoxcalgary.com
506 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1S7
Please contact the office for venue visit availability: