Symphony Hall (Allentown)
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Symphony Hall (also known as Allentown Symphony Hall) is a 1200-seat performing arts venue located in in Allentown, Pennsylvania in the United States. It is owned and operated by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, which has the distinction of being the smallest symphony in the United States to own its own performance hall. [1] Symphony Hall also serves as home to the Pennsylvania Sinfonia, Community Concerts of Allentown, the Allentown Band and the Community Music School of the Lehigh Valley.
Throughout its history, Symphony Hall has been host to a wide variety of musical and theatrical performances, including Placido Domingo, Phyllis Curtin, Rudolf Serkin, John Corigliano, Carol Channing, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Sarah Bernhardt, John Barrymore, Bing Crosby, Benny Goodman and the Marx Brothers.[1]
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[edit] History
The building that is today Symphony Hall was built around 1896 as Central Market Hall. In 1899, the structure was converted to a theatre by the firm of J.B. McElfatrick and renamed the Lyric Theatre. It became one of the leading burlesque halls in the United States. [1] In 1912, it was the site of speeches by Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. [2] In 1953, the building was purchased by the Allentown Symphony for use as their permanent home, and was renamed "Symphony Hall. "[1]
[edit] Revovations
In 2006, a $10 million, 15-year renovation project was completed that repaired the exterior and roof, upgraded patron seating and lobby areas, created rehearsal, office and reception spaces, and added an entire wing with new lobby, teaching and dressing room spaces. In addition, the renovation project completed an upgrade of the Symphony Hall stage and constructed a new acoustical shell. [1]
