Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts officially renamed its largest concert hall for entertainment icon and philanthropist David Geffen at a special ceremony today, as the New York Philharmonic opened its 2015-2016 season. Geffen's $100 million gift is the essential catalyst for the comprehensive renovation and re-imagination of the concert hall, a joint effort between Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic.
Leadership and supporters of Lincoln Center and the Philharmonic gathered to celebrate the hall's new identity, joining Mr. Geffen to unveil the
David Geffen Hall signage on the hall's southern exterior.
"I was born and raised in New York, so it is especially gratifying to be associated with Lincoln Center and the transformation of one of the world's great concert halls," said Mr. Geffen. "I would have loved it if my mother could have been here to see this."
"Today marks a new chapter for this storied home of the performing arts," said
Katherine Farley, chair of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. "Thanks to
David Geffen's generosity,
the concert hall will be reborn so that it can continue to host performances and provide remarkable audience experiences for decades to come. This is not only a gift to Lincoln Center and the
New York Philharmonic, it is a gift to the entire world of music lovers."
"This exciting project is the culmination of the redevelopment and transformation of the Lincoln Center campus," said
Jed Bernstein, president of Lincoln Center. "
David Geffen Hall will be a superb and inspiring home for the
New York Philharmonic, and we're certain that the other great artists who grace its stage will also be thrilled to perform there."
"We are so grateful to David for his support, and proud to be working closely with Lincoln Center to make the new home of the
New York Philharmonic a success," said Oscar Schafer, chair of the Philharmonic. The Orchestra's President
Matthew VanBesien agreed, adding, "This is a transformational gift for the future of our institution."
"I love the hall, the memories of my performances here, and the excitement I still feel when taking this renowned stage," said Emanuel Ax, the internationally acclaimed pianist. "I know Mr. Geffen loves great music, and great music will continue to be made here by artists of all stripes thanks to his generosity and true passion for the arts."
The concert hall redesign, which involves all of the hall's interior spaces-from its storied stage to its grand portico and lobby-is on track to begin construction in 2019. The acoustical design firm Akustiks and theater design firm Fisher Dachs have been selected as professional design service providers. The reimagined
David Geffen Hall will continue to be home to the
New York Philharmonic, which has performed there since its 1962 opening, and will also feature the new Lincoln Center Hall of Fame, celebrating all aspects of the performing arts and film.
The symphonic concert hall, designed by Max Abramovitz, was the first building to open on the Lincoln Center campus. Originally known as Philharmonic Hall, it has been home to storied performances by the
New York Philharmonic, as well as other renowned orchestras and soloists, for more than five decades. In 1973, it was renamed for the late audio pioneer Avery Fisher, a
New York Philharmonic board member.
