“Twenty years ago today, the cultural fabric of Seattle changed with the opening of Benaroya Hall, the new home of the Seattle Symphony,” writes Seattle Symphony Conductor Laureate Gerard Schwarz in Tuesday’s (9/12) MusicalAmerica.com (subscription required). “The acoustically astonishing and architecturally stunning structure opened as an extension of our community, serving as an artistic beacon, educational destination, and center for learning and inspiration for a city that holds those ideals in the highest regard. The opening was the culmination of civic vision by leaders across industries and an example of greatness, artistically and communally. The Seattle Symphony performed its first public concert in the new Benaroya Hall on September 12, 1998. It was the symphony’s 95th year and began an extraordinary week of music-making, highlighting the remarkable elements of this community-minded orchestra…. It is tremendously exciting to remember the years of work, thought, and vision that went into the creation of remarkable Benaroya Hall…. All coalesced to make this not only a place for music, but a representation of a city’s desire to be known for great art, alongside business, education, health care, and sports. It is so wonderful to see that tradition, 20 years later, continuing to flourish.”
Posted September 14, 2018
