Ens to perform in MCI/Westgate Gala Concerts
November 2, 2009

From his time in the choirs of Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna to his leading part in the Royal Opera House in London, England, music has surrounded Phil Ens for nearly his entire life. As a world renowned operatic bass, Ens’ career has led him around the globe with performances in New York, Paris, Madrid and many places in between. As he prepares for the upcoming debut of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in Munich, Ens is also getting ready for a project of a different kind.

In February of next year, Ens will return to his Manitoba roots to perform in a series of gala concerts in conjunction with the fundraising efforts of Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna and Westgate Mennonite Collegiate in Winnipeg. The concerts will see Ens take the stage with both schools’ choirs and will also feature MCI grad and tenor, Victor Engbrecht.

As an MCI grad of 1980, Ens recognizes the important role that music can play in Christian education. Even with a wealth of world-class musical experiences to draw on, Ens’ memories of his time at MCI are still among his fondest.

“Music played a very important role in my MCI experience. Singing with the chamber choir surrounded by strong, beautiful singers was an honor and highlight for me.” he said.

“The strength of the institution and the people who ran it were instrumental in affording me a positive experience on many levels. I am to this day grateful for the wonderful people, both students and faculty that I was exposed to and came to know,” he added.

As an alumnus of MCI, who has two nieces at Westgate, Ens’ connection to the gala concert series is certainly personal, but he suggests it’s much more than that. After a lifetime in music, Ens recognizes the fundamental beauty of the art form, something he hopes to share with his Manitoba audience through these concerts.

“Music is an integral part of the human experience; it always has been and will continue to be so until the end of time. Music stimulates the mind, body and spirit, and must continue to play an important role in both our schools and our churches,” he said.

As Ens prepares to take the stage with over 80 choir students, he identifies the importance of instilling a love of music in young people.

“I encourage everyone to reconsider just how important a role music can play in the lives of our youth. May we continue to support whole heartedly our schools, their teachers and students,” he said.

The gala series includes a February 5th concert at Westminster United Church in Winnipeg at 8 p.m. as well as a 3 p.m. concert at Buhler Hall in Gretna on February 7th.

Sponsorship information: Pledge form