The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall
Annual Meeting and Reception
September 19, 2001
An evening high came when Patricia Corbett, attended by the CSO's newly welcomed Maestro Paavo Jarvi, pushed the button officially opening Music Hall's first passenger elevator. The capacious elevator represents the most recent of the Corbett Foundation gifts to Music Hall, directed to making the venerable historic building accessible to all.
Proceeding from North to South Hall, Mrs. Corbett and Maestro Jarvi formalized the second significant moment with the official opening of the renovated Green Room, funded by generous individuals and SPMH donors, and the beautifully enhanced Music Director's Suite, a personal gift from Mrs. Corbett.
During the meeting agenda following the dedication, President Johnson presented a brief litany of the Corbett legacy to Music Hall, dating from the initial rescue of Music Hall from demolition in the 1960s, a legacy totaling some $7.5 million over the years. Mrs. Johnson concluded her remarks with the presentation of the Mayor's proclamation expressing the city's high regard and appreciation for the Corbett's ongoing contributions to the Cincinnati community. Chairman of the Nominating Committee, Barbara Harshman, presented the slate of continuing officers and the newly elected members of the Board. The financial report delivered by the Treasurer, Julia Stephen, documented the year's projects completed and the generous support received by SPMH in its mission for the Hall.
President Johnson thanked the Board and SPMH members for their ongoing efforts. She acknowledged Karen McKim of the Corbett Foundation and Dudley Taft, President of CAA, the overseeing organization for Music Hall. Mrs. Johnson registered appreciation to Ernie Toplis, Music Hall Manager and his cooperative staff, and Joyce VanWye, CoFounder of SPMH, for her unstinting support.