Hahn Hall Garners 'S.B. Beautiful' Award
For Immediate Release September 24, 2009
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – Hahn Hall, the stunning recital facility at the heart of a transformative renovation effort undertaken at the Music Academy of the West last year, has been recognized with a President's Award from the local nonprofit organization Santa Barbara Beautiful. Presented at the group's 45th annual awards ceremony in Hahn Hall on September 20, the honor celebrates projects that have had or promise a long-term community impact, according to Santa Barbara Beautiful President Kerry Methner.
"The President's Award is one of our premier honors," said Ms. Methner. "The Music Academy's forethought and stewardship in providing this outstanding venue for the performance arts is deserving of community recognition."
Academy Board Chairman James E. Davidson and First Vice Chairwoman Sharon Westby accepted the award during the September 20 ceremony. Also in attendance were Music Academy benefactors Stephen and Carla Hahn, for whom the recital hall is named. The couple contributed a total of $6.1 million toward the building's renovation and maintenance.
"This award confirms what all of us associated with this project have long felt: That Hahn Hall is a truly special building," said Ms. Westby.
Erected in 10 months at a cost of $15.5 million, Hahn Hall was inaugurated at the start of the Music Academy's 61st annual Summer School and Festival in June 2008. 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. Featuring seating for 350 (300 during non-Festival months), exceptional acoustics, and a host of top-flight audience amenities and facility upgrades, the renovated hall was the centerpiece of a broader campus makeover. Related site improvements included a widened main driveway, new lighting, and elegant landscaping designed to replicate the campus' original stately splendor.
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.
The Music Academy began screening Metropolitan Opera simulcasts in Hahn Hall last fall. The 2009/10 season of "Met: Live in HD" screenings will kick off October 10 and 11 with Puccini's Tosca. Several area arts organizations use Hahn Hall 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.
Formed in 1965 by concerned civic leaders, Santa Barbara Beautiful is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to community beautification through independent efforts and in collaboration with city departments, neighborhood associations, and other agencies.
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, 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. The Music Academy began broadcasting live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
