Phil Ens Gala raises over $57,000 for MCI Capital Fund

It was an event that many at MCI had been dreaming of since Buhler Hall was built. The pairing of the school’s world-class performance center with one of its world-renowned alumni. When operatic bass Phil Ens (‘80) took the Buhler Hall stage on Sunday, everyone in attendance realized that, even five years after the hall was built, this event was well worth the wait.

The concert was part of a fundraising initiative between MCI and Westgate Mennonite Collegiate in Winnipeg. It was the second show in a series of gala concerts aimed at creating capital funds for both institutions. In addition to Ens, the concerts featured another one of MCI’s well-known alumni, Victor Engbrecht, as well as the school’s choirs.

With a near-capacity crowd, Principal   Darryl    Loewen acknowledged that the event was extremely well-received in the community. All told, the event raised $57,555 for MCI’s capital fund, with $14,315 coming from ticket sales and $43,2 40 from event sponsorship. Loewen suggests that the success of these concerts makes a statement about the profound support that surrounds MCI and Westgate.

“That 1300 members of our constituents under took this effort is a moving demonstration of the power of community. That it is Christian community makes it all the more powerful,” he said.

“All the people involved had alternative ways to spend their time. Everyone saw fit to set aside time, money and resources to make it a success,” he added.

In addition to the financial benefit of the concerts, Phillip Ens acknowledged that it was his hope that the concerts bring something much greater to all those involved. 30 years removed from his time in MCI’s chamber choir, Ens recognizes the importance of MCI in his career and sees a need for the sustained vitality of music education.

“It’s important to me that schools like Westgate and MCI carry on what they are doing in educating our young people,” he said.

“The involvement of the school’s choirs in this concert was essential. MCI was a place where my interest in music was kindled and my time there continues to be important to my art,” he added.

For Phil Ens, who has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, the event also reminded him what a value Buhler Hall is to the students of MCI.

“It’s one thing for a school to be able to rent a place like this for performances throughout the year, but it’s another thing all together for students to be able to use such a venue day in and day out. It’s a real treasure for a school like this,” he said.