Curtis Institute of Music Cuts Ribbon On New Lenfest Hall
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - This was a big day for the Curtis Institute of Music, which today opened the doors to a new building that doubles the size of its campus.
A ribbon cutting ceremony signalled the official opening of Lenfest Hall, a nine-story building that will provide everything the conservatory's talented musicians will need or want.
Curtis executive vice president and CEO Elizabeth Warshawer (far right in photo) oversaw the privately funded project that took two years to complete.
"The first four stories are dedicated to community spaces and musical spaces," she says. "Floors five through nine are residential spaces and student amenities. Most importantly, this building has a glorious rehearsal hall on the second floor, large enough for our entire orchestra."
Fourth-year student Andrew Hsu says the Lenfest Hall means a new beginning.
"Even though the old Curtis building was great, it's small," he says, "so we're always fighting for a studio to practice in. While now, in Lenfest, everyone has space, everyone has a room to do what we need to do."
There are 32 soundproof studios open to students, twenty-four seven (see related story).
Reported by Paul Kurtz, KYW Newsradio 1060
