Music Academy Of The West Unveils Hahn Hall
For Immediate Release June 17, 2008
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – The Music Academy of the West today hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hahn Hall, the Academy's newly renovated on-campus recital facility.
Erected in 10 months at a total project cost of $15.5 million, the hall has been named in honor of Music Academy benefactors Stephen and Carla Hahn, who contributed a total of $6.1 million toward the building's renovation and maintenance. When it is inaugurated June 23 at the start of the Music Academy's 2008 Summer School and Festival, Hahn Hall will include seating for 350, though seating capacity will be limited to 300 during non-Festival months. The renovated facility features vastly improved acoustics, a raked floor for improved sightlines, new and larger bathrooms, a remodeled lobby, a ticket office, upgraded electrical and mechanical capabilities, and easy handicap access. Related site improvements include new campus signage, a substantial increase in parking spaces (for a total of 290), a widened main driveway for improved vehicular circulation, elegant landscaping, and improved pedestrian access to campus facilities from the lower parking areas. The Rack and Treasure House, the Music Academy's on-campus resale shops, have been revitalized as well.
Phillips Metsch Sweeney Moore Architects oversaw the project in collaboration with the renowned acoustics consulting firm McKay Conant Hoover. Frank Schipper Construction Co. served as the lead contractor.
"This is an extraordinary achievement for the Music Academy and the entire Santa Barbara community. It signifies the beginning of an exciting new era for classical music performances in this region," said Music Academy Board Chairman James E. Davidson.
"We are thrilled to be throwing open the doors to this beautiful facility. The completion of Hahn Hall marks a major milestone for the Academy, and we couldn't be more proud," said Music Academy President NancyBell Coe.
Completed in 1972, the renovated building originally bore the name Abravanel Hall in honor of celebrated conductor Maurice Abravanel, who served as music director of the Music Academy from 1954 to 1980. Designed as a multipurpose facility, Abravanel Hall played a vital role in campus operations for more than 30 years. Hahn Hall, however, will be better suited to the Academy's programmatic needs as they've developed in recent decades, according to Ms. Coe. Mr. Abravanel's bust now resides in the campus' main building, where it will be featured with a bronze plaque honoring his distinguished tenure.
The building renovation is part of a broader reconstruction effort at the Music Academy. Previous work included the renovation of Lehrer Studios in the Wood building, a practice facility named in honor of Academy benefactors Shirley and Seymour Lehrer. The next phase is in the planning stages and will include a renovation of the campus' main building, including infrastructure upgrades, as well as construction of an attached student center, the latter honoring benefactors Eli and Leatrice Luria.
In 1998 the Music Academy presented an ambitious capital improvement plan, known as the Renaissance Plan, to the Montecito Association Land Use Committee; the Academy was granted a Conditional Use Permit for a revised plan in January 2005. The Montecito Board of Architectural Review approved the Hahn Hall renovation project on May 7, 2007.
The Music Academy recently announced an agreement to broadcast live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera beginning this fall. The simulcasts will be shown in Hahn Hall. Several area arts organizations also are expected to use the facility during the Music Academy's off-season, including the Santa Barbara Symphony, Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, Opera Santa Barbara, Camerata Pacifica, and UCSB Arts & Lectures.
The Music Academy will present the West Coast premiere of William Bolcom's opera A Wedding, as well as performances by conductor Peter Oundjian and pianist Christopher Taylor as part of the Academy's 61st Summer Festival. The Academy will present 188 events over the course of its 2008 Summer School and Festival, which will begin June 23 and conclude on August 16. Additional highlights will include performances by the Canadian Brass and the Takács Quartet, and conducting turns by George Manahan, Anne Manson, Nicholas McGegan, Daniel Hege, and Larry Rachleff. Featuring the Academy's exceptionally talented Fellows, together with illustrious guest performers and faculty, the events will be presented at the Academy's scenic Miraflores campus and in venues throughout Santa Barbara.
For tickets and information, call 969-8787. Information is also available online at www.musicacademy.org.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, as well as guest conductors and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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