Arthur Fiedler
Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra for 50 years.
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"On the occasions when I have conducted the Cincinnati Symphony in the Music Hall (which is
quite a few times) I have always been struck by the lovely acoustics of that old hall. I think that it
is wonderful that the people of Cincinnati had such good foresight to leave the Hall as it was
originally built (with the exception of the backstage, dressing rooms, etc.). I think that it
compares favorably with the best halls in the United States. It should be good for another 100
years. I always look forward to my appearances there."
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Artur Rubinstein
Legendary pianist and frequent soloist with the Cincinnati Symphony
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"Time and space do not permit me to adequately express my recollections of the many
performances I have given in Cincinnati's Music Hall, but I can say that this building is one of
the first in America built for music." |
Beverly Sills
World famous soprano at the May Festival in 1971
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"In the early days of my career, I remember with great affection the days and nights in the
Zoo singing opera. One night the animals were so restless the cast printed a little sign with
the words La Traviata starring Beverly Seals. I also remember with great horror the nights
during 'Tales of Hoffman' I think it was, when the temperature never dropped below 90
degrees. So, the move to Music Hall was, at first, one that would simply make my life more
comfortable. The first time I sang in it was a revelation of interior beauty and acoustical
delight. I well recall singing 'Cleopatra' to the late, great Norman Treigle's Caesar and
thinking 'What a perfect setting.' I have always said that Art is the signature of a civilization.
Cincinnatians have signed their names large and clear." |
Max Rudolf
Former Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
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"Ten years ago George Szell came from his home base, Cleveland's famed Severance Hall, to
conduct the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. After his concert he told me: 'I envy you
your hall.' He was not the first, nor the last, guest conductor to enjoy Music Hall's exceptionally
fine acoustics, spacious structure, and old-world atmosphere. It was my good fortune to call
Music Hall my musical home for twelve years and I cherish the memories of nearly five hundred
concerts on its' stage, an experience shared with the world's great soloists, a distinguished group
of musicians in the Orchestra, and an understanding, faithful audience. My warmest wishes go to
Music Hall on its' 100th anniversary and to Cincinnati's citizens who have supported it so
splendidly. |
Eileen Farrell
World famous soprano sang with the May Festival in 1950, 52, 54, and 58
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"For a long time I felt almost like a native of Cincinnati. I was flattered beyond words to have
been invited to sing in your wonderful musical community so, so often. May the second one
hundred years be even greater than the first." |
Julius Rudel
One of the best-known American conductors mainly associated with operatic performances.
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"In these days of super acousticians and engineered relay systems, it is the supreme pleasure to
perform in an old hall where so much glorious sound comes naturally. And how few places there
are in the world where opera and symphony are equally at home in such beautiful surroundings." |
Alan Titus
Noted baritone with the May Festival in 1972
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"There are occasions in a singer's life where the time, place, music and audience are so right that
by some unknown force all become one and that incredible magic of the theater happens. The
performances of Leonard Bernstein's Mass' I did in the Music Hall was one of those wonderful
moments where all elements worked together in such harmony that those evenings remain one of
the most exciting experiences I've ever had on stage."
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Isaac Stern
World famous violinist
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"If memory serves me well, it is now almost a quarter of a century since I first played in
Cincinnati. My first association with the Orchestra, and the Music Hall, was in a performance
under the direction of Eugene Goossens, a lovely, urban and sophisticated musician who remained
a friend in the following years both in Cincinnati and in Australia. Thus the Music Hall, the
warmth of its sound, its feeling of old-world tradition and the perception of its audiences have
been a formative bulk of my musical life in the United States. The Music Hall holds this special
place for me and gives me a sense of renewal and warmth with every appearance. " |
Mstislav Rostropovich
Acclaimed as the world's greatest living cellist.
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"I believe the Music Hall is truly one of the great concert halls in America. I have always looked
forward to appearing there and I want to congratulate everyone associated with it in the
celebration of its 100th anniversary. " |
Roberta Peters
World-renowned operatic soprano
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"For a concert artist who performs in many different halls both at home and abroad there have to be some
favorites. The Cincinnati Music Hall is certainly one of my favorites, for both concerts
and opera. The acoustics and the audience of the Hall always make for a pleasurable experience
for me. " |
Aaron Copland
Famous 20th century composer for orchestra concerts, ballet, and opera.
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"Cincinnati is lucky to have had so fine a Music Hall for the past century. I shall always have a
vivid memory of my concert there with the Cincinnati Symphony. It was a pleasure to work with
them, and to give a concert in a hall that does full justice to the sound of that fine Orchestra. " |
James Levine
Conductor and Metropolitan Opera Artistic Director and Music Director of the May Festival for many years
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"Cincinnati is fortunate to have one of the very greatest concert halls in the world in its' beloved
Music Hall. The Hall has special meaning for me, having heard most of my first performances of
the symphonic repertoire there when I was growing up in Cincinnati. And then during my years as
May Festival Music Director, it was the scene of the first performances I conducted anywhere of
such works as Mahler's Eighth Symphony, Haydn's 'Creation' and Wagner's 'Lohengrin' The only
venerable halls in America that compare with Music Hall in acoustical quality are Boston's
Symphony Hall and New York's Carnegie Hall - a most select company indeed." |
