Resident Company
Tuscarawas Philharmonic to Become Resident Company at Performing Arts Center
Sounds of a cultural fixture of the Tuscarawas Valley will emanate from the new Performing Arts Center at Kent Stat
e University at Tuscarawas when the Tuscarawas Philharmonic relocates there this fall. The cooperative venture was announced at the Saturday, May 8th Tuscarawas Philharmonic concert.
"The Tuscarawas Philharmonic is extremely excited about this partnership," said Agnes Swigart, president of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Board of Trustees. "Both Kent State Tuscarawas and the Philharmonic believe in providing opportunities for our local community and beyond. This partnership will make possible the continuance of the quality programming the Philharmonic has provided over the past 74 years, as well as make possible new types of performances for enjoyment and participation by the entire community."
The 50,000-square-foot, $17.5 million Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas features an 1,100-seat theatre, orchestra pit with lift, box office, dressing rooms, classrooms and state-of-the-art lighting, sound system and acoustics. A multipurpose rehearsal room is designed for chamber performances and use as a practice room. The room also features a sprung dance floor, ballet bar and mirrors, musical instrument storage and an 18-foot acoustic ceiling.
Mike Morelli, general manager of the center, is developing several series for the opening season. They will be comprised of traveling Broadway Shows, dance productions, lectures, well--known comedians, and popular concerts from rock to country to new-age. The venue will also accommodate art shows, conferences and receptions.
"We are honored to have the Tuscarawas Philharmonic, a well-respected and long-time cultural icon, become the first resident company in our spectacular, new Performing Arts Center," said Dr. Gregg Andrews, dean and chief administrative officer of Kent State Tuscarawas. "This partnership combines their highly-acclaimed orchestra with our world-class performance venue. By moving to the center, the Philharmonic will also benefit from and have full use of our state-of-the-industry ticketing and business systems."
In the fall, the Tuscarawas Philharmonic will mark its 75th consecutive year as the cultural cornerstone of the Tuscarawas Valley. It will also be the 15th anniversary for Music Director and Conductor Eric Benjamin. Melanie Winn is the general manager.
A full symphony orchestra, the Philharmonic presents a varied concert series each season, from the immortal classics to jazz to country. Their dynamic schedule includes a long-standing, favorite Christmas performance of Handel's Messiah, and the annual Labor Day weekend pops and patriotic concert at Tuscora Park, offered free to the community. The organization encompasses the adult Philharmonic Chorus and the Philharmonic Children's Chorus.
