Tilson Auditorium

Tilson Auditorium is a prominent performance venue located on the campus of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. The auditorium is named after Indiana State University's former president, Ralph N. Tirey, and ISU Foundation's first executive director, Richard G. Tilson. It hosts various events, including concerts, theater productions, and lectures, featuring renowned performers such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Lang Lang. The auditorium has also been the venue for notable speakers, including Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and Nelson Mandela.

● History

The construction of the auditorium was made possible through the efforts of Indiana State University's administration, including President Richard Landini and Chancellor Bradley of the Indiana State University Foundation. The auditorium's history is closely tied to the development of the university's College of Arts and Sciences, which offers programs in music, theater, and dance. Over the years, the auditorium has undergone renovations, including a major upgrade in 2000 with the support of National Endowment for the Arts, Indiana Arts Commission, and Lilly Endowment. The auditorium has hosted numerous performances, including those by the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Notable conductors, such as Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez, and Daniel Barenboim, have also performed at the auditorium.

● Architecture

The auditorium's design was led by Architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, in collaboration with Acoustic Consultant Kirkegaard Associates. The building's architecture is inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Eero Saarinen. The auditorium's interior features a unique design, with a proscenium arch and a fly system similar to those found in Broadway theaters, such as the Gershwin Theatre and Al Hirschfeld Theatre. The auditorium's exterior is made of Indiana limestone, with a design that reflects the Art Deco style of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. The building's design has been influenced by the works of Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, and Marcel Breuer.

● Seating and Facilities

The auditorium has a seating capacity of over 3,000 and features state-of-the-art facilities, including a concert organ and a Steinway & Sons piano. The auditorium's seating arrangement is designed to provide an intimate setting for performances, with a orchestra pit and a stage that can accommodate large productions, such as those by the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. The auditorium is also equipped with advanced sound and lighting systems, designed by Sound Consultant JaffeHolden and Lighting Designer Jennifer Tipton. The facilities have been used by various performers, including Elton John, Billy Joel, and Sting, as well as by notable speakers, such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Al Gore.

● Events and Performances

The auditorium hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, theater productions, and lectures, featuring performers from around the world, such as Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, and Itzhak Perlman. The auditorium has also been the venue for performances by the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as by notable dance companies, such as the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. The auditorium has also hosted lectures by renowned speakers, including Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and Nelson Mandela, as well as by notable authors, such as Toni Morrison, John Updike, and Don DeLillo. The auditorium's events have been supported by organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, Indiana Arts Commission, and Lilly Endowment.

● Location and Accessibility

The auditorium is located on the campus of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States, near the Wabash River and the Indiana State University Memorial Stadium. The auditorium is accessible by car, with parking available in the Indiana State University Parking Garage. The auditorium is also within walking distance of the Terre Haute Transit bus stop and the Indiana State University Campus Shuttle stop. The auditorium's location is close to other cultural attractions, such as the Swope Art Museum, the Terre Haute Children's Museum, and the Clabber Girl Museum. The auditorium is also near the Indiana State University Hulman Center, which hosts various events, including concerts, sports games, and conferences, featuring performers such as Elton John, Billy Joel, and Sting. Category:Music venues in the United States