Providing an Unforgettable Musical Experience

Providing an Unforgettable Musical Experience

Utah State University trustee L.J. Godfrey compared the design and acoustics to Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City, but on a scale that is much more intimate and in keeping with the building's dual purpose as a performance and teaching facility.

April 29, 2004: Ground was broken for Utah State's recital hall. After the dignitaries were done with their remarks, sisters Kathryn Caine Wanlass ('38Att) and Manon Caine Russell ('53) received a standing ovation for their $6.3-million lead gift. Architects from Sasaki and Associates, a firm with 40 years of international experience in campus planning and design, helped explain the vision. Los Angeles artist Ann Preston was also present. Her 3-D geometric interior wall sculpture will be one of many features that distinguish this building.

"Our design goes way beyond the traditional idea of a university recital hall," said designer Scott Smith of Sasaki and Associates. "The donors want to attract performers, faculty and students of the highest caliber. This recital hall is being designed to give not only the campus but all of northern Utah an unforgettable musical experience."

Construction of the 15,000-square-foot, 400-seat recital hall is scheduled to begin this summer. On completion in early fall 2005, the recital hall will be the centerpiece and launching pad for the School of the Arts in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

"This is an historic event and ambitious opportunity," said Provost Stan Albrecht, "to realize our goal of becoming a premier arts center that is renowned for its visiting artists, interdisciplinary courses and community partnerships."

After the university Wind Orchestra played an original fanfare composed for the ceremony by Utah State band director Tom Rohrer, Kathryn Wanlass, who is 85, said, "I hope to hear that again in a year-and-half when the recital hall is dedicated."

An earlier feature story in Utah State Today detailed the recital hall and its importance to Utah State University. That story can be found in the Utah State Today archives.

Writer: Jane Koerner (435) 797-1353, jane.koerner@usu.edu
Contact: Gary Kiger (435) 797-1195, gary.kiger@usu.edu
Julie Pitcher (435) 797-3662, juliep@hass.usu.edu