Eastman Theatre

Eastman Theatre is a historic theatre located in Rochester, New York, and is part of the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. The theatre was built in 1922 and has since become a prominent venue for various performances, including those by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Garth Fagan Dance, and the Eastman Opera Theatre. It has also hosted renowned artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Lang Lang. The theatre is named after George Eastman, the founder of Eastman Kodak Company, who was a major benefactor of the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music.

● History

The history of the theatre dates back to the early 20th century, when George Eastman donated $3.5 million to the University of Rochester to establish the Eastman School of Music. The school was founded in 1921, and the theatre was built shortly after, with its first performance taking place in 1922. Over the years, the theatre has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major restoration project in the 2000s, which was supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York State Council on the Arts. The theatre has also been recognized for its historic significance, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated National Historic Landmark. It has hosted performances by notable artists such as Leonard Bernstein, Isaac Stern, and Van Cliburn, and has been a venue for various festivals, including the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival and the Rochester Fringe Festival.

● Architecture

The theatre's architecture is a mix of Art Deco and Neoclassical styles, with a grand lobby featuring a large chandelier and intricate moldings. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 3,094 and features excellent acoustics, making it an ideal venue for a wide range of performances, from symphony orchestras like the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, to jazz and pop music concerts featuring artists like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald. The theatre's design was influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, and its construction was overseen by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White. The theatre's exterior is made of limestone and features a large portico with Doric columns, while its interior features intricate carvings and ornamentation.

● Performances

The theatre has hosted a wide range of performances over the years, including concerts by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, opera productions by the Eastman Opera Theatre, and dance performances by companies like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Martha Graham Dance Company. It has also been a venue for various festivals, including the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival and the Rochester Fringe Festival, which have featured performances by artists like Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Bell, and Renée Fleming. The theatre has also hosted lectures and speeches by notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Hillary Clinton, and has been a venue for various award ceremonies, including the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards.

● Restoration

In the 2000s, the theatre underwent a major restoration project, which aimed to preserve its historic architecture and improve its facilities. The project was supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York State Council on the Arts, and involved the restoration of the theatre's original plasterwork, woodwork, and lighting fixtures. The project also included the installation of new seating and sound systems, as well as the construction of new rehearsal spaces and dressing rooms. The restoration project was overseen by the architectural firm of Beyer Blinder Belle, which has also worked on the restoration of other historic buildings, including the Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library.

● Notable Events

The theatre has hosted many notable events over the years, including performances by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Presley. It has also been a venue for various premieres, including the world premiere of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and the American premiere of Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. The theatre has also hosted lectures and speeches by notable figures such as Albert Einstein, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Langston Hughes, and has been a venue for various award ceremonies, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Medal of Arts. The theatre continues to be an important cultural institution in Rochester, New York, and is a popular venue for a wide range of performances and events, including those by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Eastman Opera Theatre, and the Garth Fagan Dance company.

Category:Theatres in New York