New Sound, New Name for Eastman Theatre
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After months of construction, a massive renovation project is done at the Eastman Theatre. Along with a new sound, the historic theatre also has a new name.
"One, two, three," various dignitaries counted down before cutting the ribbon on Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. The Eastman School of music says the 1920s theatre has now entered the 21st century.
The most visible changes are new orchestra and mezzanine level boxes. The walls were also reshaped in an effort to improve acoustics.
"Before the renovation started at all, it all sounded as if it was happening underwater, in Buffalo," says Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Christopher Seaman. "Now the sound wraps itself around your ears."
There is also an expanded inner lobby and a now energy-efficient grand chandelier, not to mention the new building still going up next door. New York State provided $13 million for the project. Another $10 million came from the Eastman Kodak Company, approved by its chairman Antonio Perez.
"I said, and Antonio, what we want more than anything is to put Kodak's name on the musical hall, and we need $10 million of support," recalls University of Rochester President Joel Seligman.
Perez did commit that money and the theatre is now officially named Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. The donation was announced in April of last year, just a few months before the global financial meltdown.
"Somehow he knew that something was going to happen and he didn't tell any one of us," says Perez, referencing his conversation with Seligman.
Perez says the donation is in Kodak's best interest.
"We need a thriving and exciting place for our headquarters so we can attract the best minds to come and work here," says Perez.
He also says it's a tribute to George Eastman.
"He loved music, he loved Rochester, and this is exactly what he wanted," says Perez.
Seaman says you need to hear the new sound in person to truly appreciate it.
"People who gave up on the Eastman Theatre years ago should come back, because it's unrecognizable," says Seaman.
The first performance inside Kodak Hall will be Thursday night. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will premiere "Geo," a composition written in honor of George Eastman. That performance is sold out, but there are repeat performances on Saturday and Sunday along with a student performance Friday night.