Calendar
Event
- Title:
- Academy of Music in Northampton
- When:
- Sun, Sep 30, 2012 3:00 PM
- Where:
- Academy of Music - Northampton
- Category:
- Concert
Description
Sorry, no description available
Venue
- Venue:
- Academy of Music - Website
- Street:
- 274 Main Street
- ZIP:
- 01060
- City:
- Northampton
- State:
- MA
- Country:
-
Description
Description
Sarah Bernhardt slept here (in her coffin, no less). Harry Houdini had a trapdoor cut into the stage here to allow him to perform his amazing disappearing act here. Mae West bared all here (literally, according to some).
"Here," of course, is The Academy of Music Theatre. It's a special place, one with a long tradition of presenting local and international talent, both live onstage and on-screen.
The Academy of Music began as the dream of businessman and Northampton native Edward H. R. Lyman (1819-1899). Lyman considered himself a "trustee" for his hometown, and he decided that one of the things he should do for the city was ensure that it had a place "suitable for lectures, concerts, opera, and the drama for the public good." He accomplished his goal through the construction and donation of the Academy of Music Theatre, which was built between 1889 and 1890. Lyman gave the theatre to the city of Northampton as a gift in 1892, and generations of area residents have benefited from his generosity, enjoying live theatre, music and dance, as well as films. The Academy of Music is one of the historical, architectural, and cultural treasures of Northampton and the entire the Pioneer Valley. It remains true to Edward Lyman's original dream, and it has brought that vision forward to the 21st century, continuing in its mission to enrich greater Northampton's quality of life.
"Here," of course, is The Academy of Music Theatre. It's a special place, one with a long tradition of presenting local and international talent, both live onstage and on-screen.
The Academy of Music began as the dream of businessman and Northampton native Edward H. R. Lyman (1819-1899). Lyman considered himself a "trustee" for his hometown, and he decided that one of the things he should do for the city was ensure that it had a place "suitable for lectures, concerts, opera, and the drama for the public good." He accomplished his goal through the construction and donation of the Academy of Music Theatre, which was built between 1889 and 1890. Lyman gave the theatre to the city of Northampton as a gift in 1892, and generations of area residents have benefited from his generosity, enjoying live theatre, music and dance, as well as films. The Academy of Music is one of the historical, architectural, and cultural treasures of Northampton and the entire the Pioneer Valley. It remains true to Edward Lyman's original dream, and it has brought that vision forward to the 21st century, continuing in its mission to enrich greater Northampton's quality of life.
General Information
On May 23, 1891, the 800-seat Academy of Music opened with an inaugural concert that featured the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The event marked the beginning of “a new era” in musical and dramatic attractions for the City of Northampton, according to the local newspaper.
It also completed a dream held by wealthy native Edward H.R. Lyman, who retired to the area with the desire to ensure his hometow
It also completed a dream held by wealthy native Edward H.R. Lyman, who retired to the area with the desire to ensure his hometow
n had a place for lectures, concerts, opera, and “the drama for the public good.” Work on the two-story building on a prominent downtown corner began in 1889. A Renaissance-style façade was erected and Tiffany windows installed in the lobby, a gift from the famed stained-glass artist to Lyman.
Two years after it opened, Lyman deeded the Academy of Music it to the City of Northampton, making it the first municipally owned theatre in the nation. In doing so, he made certain that the architectural treasure would be cared for by trustees invested in its success; he stipulated the city mayor and president of Smith College would always serve on its governing board. From 1912 to 1919 the Academy of Music was the home of the Northampton Players, a municipally supported theatre company that changed its live offerings weekly and was paid by the city. The theatre quickly became a favorite stop on the tours of leading troupes and big-name performers.
Legendary French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt and bawdy American actress Mae West both performed there. Master illusionist Harry Houdini “disappeared” into the stage and American conductor John Philip Sousa commanded it.
But, as with any good production, the Academy of Music’s storyline held drama. The theatre experienced a period of decline in the 1950s and 1960s and was condemned. Its revival in the 70s marked a shift to first-run films, a decision that was later reconsidered as movies proliferated in mega-cinemas and hand-held telephones.
Today, the Academy of Music is a distinguished community-based performing arts venue with a stable of resident companies that produce live theatrical, musical and dance performances, and show non-mainstream films. It is home to the Northampton Arts Council, the Pioneer Valley Ballet, the Commonwealth Opera, the Young at Heart Chorus, the Northampton Film Festival, and to the many events of the Out! For Reel film series.
Today, the Academy of Music continues to fulfill a Edward H.R. Lyman’s original dream of enriching the quality of life of all those who pass through its doors.
Two years after it opened, Lyman deeded the Academy of Music it to the City of Northampton, making it the first municipally owned theatre in the nation. In doing so, he made certain that the architectural treasure would be cared for by trustees invested in its success; he stipulated the city mayor and president of Smith College would always serve on its governing board. From 1912 to 1919 the Academy of Music was the home of the Northampton Players, a municipally supported theatre company that changed its live offerings weekly and was paid by the city. The theatre quickly became a favorite stop on the tours of leading troupes and big-name performers.
Legendary French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt and bawdy American actress Mae West both performed there. Master illusionist Harry Houdini “disappeared” into the stage and American conductor John Philip Sousa commanded it.
But, as with any good production, the Academy of Music’s storyline held drama. The theatre experienced a period of decline in the 1950s and 1960s and was condemned. Its revival in the 70s marked a shift to first-run films, a decision that was later reconsidered as movies proliferated in mega-cinemas and hand-held telephones.
Today, the Academy of Music is a distinguished community-based performing arts venue with a stable of resident companies that produce live theatrical, musical and dance performances, and show non-mainstream films. It is home to the Northampton Arts Council, the Pioneer Valley Ballet, the Commonwealth Opera, the Young at Heart Chorus, the Northampton Film Festival, and to the many events of the Out! For Reel film series.
Today, the Academy of Music continues to fulfill a Edward H.R. Lyman’s original dream of enriching the quality of life of all those who pass through its doors.
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