Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a prominent performing arts center that hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, Broadway shows, and performances by The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, and Schubert Club. The center is named after Lucy Ordway, a philanthropist and supporter of the arts, and has been a major cultural institution in the Twin Cities since its opening in 1985. With its rich history and stunning architecture, the center has become a popular destination for arts enthusiasts, including fans of Garrison Keillor and Minnesota Public Radio. The center's programming also reflects the diverse cultural heritage of the region, with performances by companies such as Penumbra Theatre and Theater Latté Da.

● History

The history of the center dates back to the 1970s, when a group of local arts leaders, including Sally Ordway Irvine, began planning for a new performing arts center in Saint Paul. The center was designed to provide a state-of-the-art facility for local arts organizations, including The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, which was founded by Leopold Sipe and has been a resident company at the center since its opening. Over the years, the center has hosted a wide range of performances, including concerts by Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Renée Fleming, as well as productions by American Ballet Theatre and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The center has also been the site of numerous Grammy Awards-winning performances, including those by Bob Dylan and Prince.

● Architecture

The center's architecture is a notable feature of the building, with a design that reflects the city's Art Deco heritage. The building was designed by Benson & Associates and features a stunning glass and steel façade, as well as a grand lobby with a chandelier designed by Dale Chihuly. The center's design has been praised for its functionality and aesthetic appeal, with a layout that allows for easy navigation and a variety of performance spaces. The building has also been recognized for its sustainability features, including a green roof and energy-efficient systems, and has been certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. The center's architecture has been influenced by the work of famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and I.M. Pei, and has been compared to other notable buildings, including the Sydney Opera House and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

● Performance Venues

The center features several performance venues, including the Music Theater, which seats over 1,900 people and is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. The center also includes the McGuire Proscenium Stage, which is home to The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and features a unique orchestra pit design. In addition, the center has a smaller flexible theater space, which can be configured for a variety of events, including dance and theater performances. The center's venues have hosted a wide range of performances, including concerts by The Minnesota Orchestra and productions by Guthrie Theater and Children's Theatre Company. The center has also been the site of numerous TED Talks and National Public Radio events, featuring speakers such as Neil deGrasse Tyson and Sarah Kendzior.

● Resident Companies

The center is home to several resident companies, including The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, and Schubert Club. These companies present a wide range of performances throughout the year, including classical music concerts, opera productions, and chamber music recitals. The center also hosts performances by other local arts organizations, including Penumbra Theatre and Theater Latté Da, which produce a range of theater and dance performances. The center's resident companies have collaborated with numerous other organizations, including The Walker Art Center and The Minneapolis Institute of Art, to produce innovative and engaging performances. The center has also partnered with companies such as 3M and Ecolab to support arts education and community outreach programs.

● Education and Community

The center offers a range of education and community programs, including arts education classes and workshops for children and adults. The center also provides outreach programs to local schools and community organizations, with the goal of increasing access to the arts for underserved populations. The center has partnered with organizations such as The Saint Paul Public Schools and The United Way to support these efforts, and has received funding from foundations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the McKnight Foundation. The center's education and community programs have been recognized for their excellence, with awards from organizations such as the American Arts Alliance and the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

● Notable Performances

The center has hosted a wide range of notable performances over the years, including concerts by Elton John and Paul McCartney, as well as productions by American Ballet Theatre and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The center has also been the site of numerous world premieres, including productions by The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Opera. In addition, the center has hosted performances by renowned artists such as Lang Lang and Joshua Bell, and has been the site of numerous awards ceremonies, including the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards. The center's notable performances have been recognized by critics and audiences alike, with reviews in publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The center has also been featured in numerous documentaries and television specials, including programs on PBS and CNN.