Eastman Theater reopens in Rochester, NY

After four months of work, the Eastman Theatre, built in the 1920s by George Eastman, reopened this weekend as a 21st century concert hall. Audiences experienced a visual and acoustical transformation that dramatically enhances the concert experience.

While retaining its grand Italian Renaissance style, the newly renamed Kodak Hall features a new sound system as well as new patron amenities. The addition of orchestra- and mezzanine-level boxes and a new back wall on the orchestra level return more sound energy to support both the performers and the patrons seated in the orchestra level. Approximately 800 seats have been removed on the orchestra level and the walls carefully reshaped for concertgoers to feel more enveloped in the sound. The removal of back rows of seats not only creates a greater intimacy on the orchestra level, but also allows for the expansion of the hall’s inner lobby and the creation of five lounges, providing more comfortable gathering spaces. Kodak Hall also has new carpeting, a new heating and air conditioning system, and enhanced house and exit lighting.

The Rochester Philharmonic opened the hall on Thursday, October 8, and on Friday October 9, the Eastman Philharmonia consecrated the house with Beethoven’s famous overture and the 5th Symphony of Dmitri Shostakovich. It was a stunning evening; the video shows the newly renovated theater shortly before the Philharmonia began the concert on Friday night.

The renovation of the performance hall is part of a $46.9 million project at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music that also includes a new building, currently under construction, for teaching, rehearsal, and performing spaces.

More from the Music Horizons Program at Eastman

My goddaughter Linnea is here in Rochester this month for the Music Horizons Program at the Eastman School of Music. Music Horizons is for high school students currently who are seriously considering a career in music, emphasizes chamber music and solo performance. Thursday night Linnea played in the Chamber Ensemble Concert; Friday afternoon was the Solo Recital. Here she is performing the Rondo Pastorale from Ralph Vaughan Williams's Oboe Concerto in A Minor.

My Amazing, Talented Goddaughter!

I just got home from a concert at the Eastman School of Music, given by high school students from across the country who are participating in the Music Horizons Program this summer. This evening was the Chamber Ensemble Concert, and my oboist goddaughter Linnea performed in three ensembles. Here she is with her quintet playing Edward Elgar's Harmony Music. She's amazing!

Ooh, Shiny!

The spring season of Live from Hochstein broadcast concerts on WXXI-FM opened today with an exciting performance by the Eastman Trombone choir. The ensemble played arrangements of music by Strauss, Handel and Bach, and new works by Chris Brubeck, John Firth and former Eastman professor Emory Remington. The music was sonorous and fun, and the Hochstein Performance Hall is a great place to listen to brass ensembles. And it's captivating to watch all that brass shining and reflecting throughout the hall!

Live from Hochstein is the longest running live broadcast concert series in Western New York. The lunchtime programs range from soloists and chamber ensembles to large orchestras and choirs. The broadcasts are presented as free brown bag concerts, at the Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 North Plymouth Avenue in Rochester.

For a complete schedule of this spring's programs, visit http://wxxi.org/hochstein