Thursday, March 5, 2015

So Long Avery.




FROM THE NYT : 

Perhaps it's about injecting Hollywood glamour into New York's Classical musical world. Or maybe its about a local boy coin gnome to make good. Or maybe its just about getting a name in granite.

However you look at it, the world of New York high culture was given a surprise dose of glitz on Wednesday , when Lincoln Center announced that David Geffen, the entertainment mogul who has shaped cultural tastes in pop music, art and movies, will donate $100 million to renovate  - and rename - Avery Fisher Hall, home of the New York Philharmonis, at Lincoln Center.

Mr. Geffen's gift will help pay for the hall's gut renovation. which os expected to cost more that $500 million . Although construction is not scheduled to begin until 2019, the building will become David Geffen Hall this September, with the start of the Philharmonic's 2015-16 season.

The hall, built in 1962, has long been viewed as outdated and acoustically problematic. But raising money promised to be a challenge, the family of Avery Fisher had threatened legal action 13 years ago if the concert hall were to be rebuilt or renovated under a new name. The obstacle was overcome in November , when the Fisher family agreed to give up the naming rights with inducements including a $15 million check.  ( the rest )






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