GlocallyNewark slammed Symphony Hall’s Fan Afrika event several weeks back. The reasons? Bad coordination of concurrent events, a short first act, warm white wine, you name it.
And GlocallyNewark should continue to hold Newark’s institutions, events, businesses, and leaders to high standards.
However, after touring the Newark Symphony Hall facility and talking with Executive Direct Philip Thomas a couple of weeks ago, I can understand where and how things can go a bit awry from time to time.
Philip Thomas in a darkened Sarah Vaughn Concert Hall.
Thomas has been leading the nonprofit Symphony Hall for the past two years. Previously, he was at NJPAC where he had a budget of $4 million annually just for programming. At Symphony Hall, he has a total annual budget of $2 million. That’s for programming, administration, operations, facilities management, development, marketing and production. On top of that he has inherited an 84-year-old building of more than 200,000 square feet that has seen no significant upkeep or improvements for at least 30 years. Although the centerpiece Sarah Vaughn Concert Hall is stunning when first viewed (and the fact that all 2700-plus seats have unobstructed views tells you what an engineering marvel this hall truly is), upon closer inspection visitors can see some crumbling plaster, missing pieces in the procenium arch and tell-tale dings here and there.
Some water damage behind the scenes.
When Thomas took us behind the scenes to non-public areas of the building, the damage was more impressive.
In the last two years, Thomas has been trying to bring progressive programming to the Hall while performing necessary improvements that are mostly invisible–a new roof and a new fire safety system. Next up: improvements to the parking lot and fire escapes.
But Thomas (and his board, including chair Barry Washington) have a bold vision for the future which includes the completion of a Preservation Plan and a Master Plan for the building. Once these are finished, Thomas will undertake an aggressive capital campaign to raise what he estimates as $40 million to bring the entire building up to speed.
In the meantime, Thomas is looking to bring new and exciting programming to the Hall and is looking for ways to produce more revenue with the space that he has.
Newark Symphony Hall–watch this space!
The beautiful lobby at Symphony Hall.
Great "black box" space on the second floor. Channel 13 used to produce shows here.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:37 am
That’s good news; I hope they do something special with Symphony Hall.
Did you know that back in the 60’s Symphony Hall hosted the Rolling Stones in 1965 and Jimi Hendrix in 1968?
August 6th, 2009 at 11:47 am
They have had everyone at Symphony Hall: Richard Pryor, Pattie La Belle. Visit their website and read the “Memories Project.” (www.newarksymphonyhall.org) Good stuff!
August 8th, 2009 at 4:36 am
Although I no longer live in Newark it’s good to see Symphony Hall is going to remain a part of the city.
Symphony Hall was Newark’s answer to Harlem’s Apollo Theater. I know I’ve enjoyed the convenience of not having to travel to Harlem to see top black acts perform. It should be preserved and remain a functional part of the city.
My memories of Symphony Hall are strong. Being able to see artist like Stephanie Mills, Millie Jackson, Eddie Kendricks, The Tramps, Teddy Pendergrass and others locally make Symphony Hall a Newark landmark.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Nice locale keep up your proper work.