Music Academy of the West Unveils Plans for New Building
For Immediate Release May 8, 2007
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA-As part of a multiyear effort to create a campus befitting its growing international stature, the Music Academy of the West will undertake a complete renovation of its principal performance and practice facility following the Academy's 2007 Summer School and Festival.
Hahn Hall, named in honor of Music Academy benefactors Stephen and Carla Hahn, will include seating for 350. Phillips Metsch Sweeney Moore Architects is overseeing the project in collaboration with the renowned acoustics consulting firm McKay Conant Brook. Current plans call for work to start in August 2007 and be completed by June 2008. The Montecito Board of Architectural Review approved the project on May 7.
The renovated facility will feature 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 improved parking and handicap access. The renovated building, related facilities, and site improvements will provide for an enhanced experience overall for Academy faculty, students, and patrons, as well as area arts organizations expected to use the venue, say planners.
"The task of upgrading our facilities to meet upcoming programmatic and technological challenges has taken on new urgency as we work to build on the success and legacy of the last six decades. This is an extremely important project for both the Music Academy and the surrounding community," said NancyBell Coe, president of the Music Academy of the West.
The Academy is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
Completed in 1972, the building that will undergo renovation currently bears the name Abravanel Hall in honor of celebrated conductor Maurice Abravanel, who served as music director of the Music Academy from 1954 to 1979. Designed as a multipurpose facility, Abravanel Hall has played a vital role in campus operations for more than 30 years. Hahn Hall, however, will be much better suited to the Academy's programmatic needs, according to officials. The Music Academy will recognize Mr. Abravanel's significant contributions to the Academy's development with a permanent tribute elsewhere on campus.
The building renovation is part of a broader reconstruction effort at the Music Academy. Previous work included renovation of Lehrer Studios in the Wood building, a practice facility named in honor of Academy benefactors Shirley and Seymour Lehrer.
Later phases are in the planning stages and will include a renovation of the campus's main building. Preliminary plans call for infrastructure upgrades as well as construction of additional studios and a student center, the latter honoring Eli and Leatrice Luria.
"We have developed a construction and fundraising schedule that will enable us to see this exciting renovation project through to completion in a timely manner. Our current priority is to raise additional project funding," said Music Academy Board Chairman James E. Davidson.
In 1998 the Music Academy of the West first presented an ambitious capital improvement plan, known as the Renaissance Plan, to the Montecito Association Land Use Committee and was granted a Conditional Use Permit for a revised plan in January 2005. The current plan is both more modest and specifically geared to the Academy's programmatic needs.
"We are confident that we have settled on a plan that will enable us to enhance the programmatic strength of the institution without assuming an undue financial burden, and that is sensitive to the needs of the surrounding community," said Ms. Coe. "This is a renovation strategy that we can all be proud of."
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 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 students receive full scholarships. Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many have established themselves as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 175 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and students; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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