Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is a historic concert hall located in Portland, Oregon, and is part of the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts network, which also includes the Keller Auditorium, Newmark Theatre, Winningstad Theatre, and Brunish Theatre. The hall is named after Arlene Schnitzer, a prominent Portland philanthropist and wife of Harold Schnitzer, a wealthy businessman and founder of Harsch Investment Properties. The concert hall has hosted a wide range of performances, including those by the Oregon Symphony, Portland Youth Philharmonic, and Portland Opera. It has also been the venue for various events, such as the Portland Jazz Festival and the Chamber Music Northwest festival, which features performances by renowned musicians like Itzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma.

● History

The concert hall was originally built in 1928 as the Portland Public Theater, and was designed by Claude K. Howell, a prominent Portland architect who also designed the Pittock Mansion and the Portland City Hall. Over the years, the hall has undergone several renovations, including a major restoration project in the 1980s, which was led by the City of Portland and the Portland Development Commission. The project involved the restoration of the hall's original Italian Renaissance-style architecture, as well as the installation of new sound and lighting systems, designed by Acoustic Dimensions and Luminous Designs, respectively. The hall has also been recognized for its historic significance, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with other notable Portland landmarks like the Pioneer Courthouse and the Skidmore Fountain.

● Architecture

The concert hall's architecture is a prime example of Italian Renaissance-style design, with a grand lobby featuring a large chandelier and a sweeping staircase, designed by Hoffman Construction Company. The hall's auditorium has a seating capacity of over 2,700, and features a large stage with a proscenium arch, designed by Stagecraft Industries. The hall's design has been influenced by other notable concert halls, such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Symphony Hall in Boston, and has been recognized for its excellent acoustics, which have been praised by performers like Lang Lang and Renée Fleming. The hall's architecture has also been compared to that of other historic Portland buildings, such as the Old Church and the First Presbyterian Church.

● Performances_and_events

The concert hall has hosted a wide range of performances, including classical music concerts by the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Youth Philharmonic, as well as jazz and pop music performances by artists like Diana Krall and Tony Bennett. The hall has also been the venue for various events, such as the Portland Jazz Festival and the Chamber Music Northwest festival, which features performances by renowned musicians like Itzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma. Additionally, the hall has hosted performances by notable dance companies, such as the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre, as well as theater productions by companies like the Portland Center Stage and the Oregon Children's Theatre. The hall has also been used for film screenings, including the Portland International Film Festival, which features films by directors like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino.

● Venue_specifications

The concert hall has a seating capacity of over 2,700, and features a large stage with a proscenium arch, designed by Stagecraft Industries. The hall's auditorium is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, designed by Acoustic Dimensions and Luminous Designs, respectively. The hall also features a grand lobby with a large chandelier and a sweeping staircase, designed by Hoffman Construction Company. The hall's backstage facilities include dressing rooms and a green room, designed by Rosendin Electric and Herman Miller, respectively. The hall is also equipped with accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible seating and elevators, designed by Otis Elevator Company and Schindler Group, respectively.

● Notable_performers

The concert hall has hosted a wide range of notable performers, including classical music musicians like Lang Lang and Renée Fleming, as well as jazz and pop music artists like Diana Krall and Tony Bennett. The hall has also been the venue for performances by notable dance companies, such as the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre, as well as theater productions by companies like the Portland Center Stage and the Oregon Children's Theatre. Other notable performers who have appeared at the hall include comedian Jerry Seinfeld, singer-songwriter James Taylor, and pianist Maurizio Pollini, as well as conductor Gustavo Dudamel and cellist Mischa Maisky. The hall has also hosted performances by renowned music ensembles, such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Simon Rattle and Valery Gergiev, respectively. Category:Concert halls in the United States