NEC's Jordan Hall turns 100 (Photo Credit: Nick Wheeler)
Jordan Hall Centennial Story aired: Thursday, October 23, 2003
New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall is one of the most beautiful acoustic spaces in the country, some would say the world. Concert pianist Arturo Rubenstein, composer and conductor Gunther Schuller, and John Medeski of the trio Medeski, Martin and Wood have all played in the hall that is the heart of the school.
This weekend, alumni, faculty, and students celebrate the centennial of the beloved building with concerts that capture the spirit of the present, while honoring the past.
On October 20th, 1903, Boston's cultural elite, dressed to the nines in their finest suits, gowns and furs, descended from their horse-drawn carriages to enter New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall for the very first time.
Eben Jordan, the hall's benefactor, watched as guests filled the new room. High arts patron Isabella Stewart Gardner was also there -- dressed in black--and so was Julia Ward Howe, author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Soon, world-renowned composer George Whitefield Chadwick stepped up to the podium to conduct the Boston Symphony Orchestra's performance of his piece, "Melpomene."
The audience, warmed by the hall's gleaming wood panels and detailed gold leafing, marveled at the room's amazing acoustics, considered unsurpassed by many, even today.
Jordan Hall continues to play a hugely important role, not only in the cultural life of this musical city, but, perhaps more intimately, in the daily lives of the students and teachers who spend so many hours performing on the ornate stage, or diligently practicing in the many rooms above.
Former New England Conservatory president Gunther Schuller will be premiering a new piece to commemorate the centennial of Jordan Hall this Saturday night. Here and Now Producer Andrea Shea spoke with him, along with vocalist Dominique Eade, keyboardist John Medeski and cellist Lawrence Lesser.
