The Hidden Hi(story) of the National Music Centre

Join us for an exclusive guided walking tour of the National Music Centre / Studio Bell, led by Architect, Bill Chomik. You’ll uncover hidden stories: the story of how the National Music Center landed in Calgary, the design particularities that shaped the architecture, and insight into the challenges and creative solutions that were involved in shaping the building we know and love. This intimate tour offers insight into Studio Bell’s role not only as a cultural beacon, but also as a living, breathing piece of musical architecture.

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Bill Chomik is an architect based in Calgary, Canada. Bill Chomik established Bill Chomik Architect Ltd. (BCAL) in 2021 after a highly successful career with Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning, preceded by participation in smaller firms which he directed. Bill’s early experience in the profession included positions in the firms of SGMMP, Peter Cardew Architects and Arthur Erickson Architects. Bill’s experience includes facility programming, master planning and architectural design of over 750 buildings both small and large, in Canada and internationally, primarily in the public institutional field. Bill specializes in the design of planetariums and observatories with over 40 projects designed or in design worldwide. He has received many awards including the Governor General’s Medal for Architecture, Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence, Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) Awards of Excellence, AIA Justice Facility Award, City of Calgary Design Awards, Prairie Design Awards of Excellence, and more. In 2020, Bill was honoured with the AAA’s Tom Sutherland Award for design leadership, advancement of the profession, and community service. Bill’s community service includes leadership volunteer roles with the Calgary Science Centre, RAIC, AAA, AIA, Calgary Downtown Business Revitalization Zone, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Calgary Economic Development, Calgary Region Arts Foundation, Honens International Piano Competition, Calgary Planning Commission, Calgary Urban Design Review Panel, Calgary Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, and the University of Calgary Senate.