Allentown Symphony Hall

Infobox Venue
name = Allentown Symphony Hall


nickname =
location = 23 North 6th St. Allentown, Pennsylvania United States
coordinates =
type = Concert hall
built = 1896-1899
opened =
expanded =
closed =
demolished =
owner = Allentown Symphony Orchestra
construction_cost =
former_names = Lyric Theatre
seating_type = Reserved
seating_capacity = 1,200
website = [http://www.allentownsymphony.org/ABOUTSYMPHONYHALL/tabid/95/Default.aspx/ Venue website]

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. cite web| url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org/ABOUTSYMPHONYHALL/tabid/192/Default.aspx | title=About Symphony Hall | accessdate=2007-05-27 ] 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.

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. In 1912, it was the site of speeches by Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. cite web| url=http://www.allentownpa.org/text/placestovisit.htm | title=Historical Allentown | accessdate=2007-05-27 ] In 1953, the building was purchased by the Allentown Symphony for use as their permanent home, and was renamed "Symphony Hall. "

Renovations

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.

ee also

* List of concert halls

References

External links

* [http://www.allentownsymphony.org Official website]