Zimmermann Symphony Center Under Roof and On Schedule

The new home of the Canton Symphony Orchestra - the Zimmermann Symphony Center - is now under roof and enclosed with all windows in place. As of today, almost all the interior framing is done and the exterior brickwork is approximately 50% completed.

"We are thrilled with the progress of the construction," stated Michelle Mullaly, the orchestra's Executive Director. "Despite the wet summer which threatened progress, and now the early cold, ice and snow, the contractors have done an amazing job keeping everything on schedule. They told us December 1 when it would be under roof, and they delivered on that promise. What once was a dream is now something we can physically walk through and sense completion."

The addition to McKinley High School and Umstattd Performing Arts Hall is named after the orchestra's Music Director of 33 years, Gerhardt Zimmermann. The new symphony center is scheduled to be ready for move-in sometime in June 2014, with an official grand opening to be announced late this coming Spring. The center will act as the consolidated home of the orchestra, which currently maintains administration and education offices at the Cultural Center for the Arts but performs almost all of its concerts in Umstattd Hall (at McKinley High School across from C.T. Branin Natatorium).

The symphony center will also house updated dressing rooms, several lecture/conference rooms, a large reception hall, the orchestral library, and a bigger backstage. Umstattd Hall's backstage is almost non-existent in its present state - currently performers walk under the stage to get to the opposite side.

"The community has really stepped up to the plate to support this expansion," stated Chuck Hoover, Chairman of the Symphony's Board of Trustees. "While we're still slightly short of our fundraising goal, we couldn't be more pleased with the local foundations, community leaders, and orchestra patrons who have contributed to make this new center a reality. The goal is that the community will use the center as more than just a concert hall."

The community is beginning to inquire about booking the various spaces that will be made available for rental. "We plan to rent the reception hall for corporate events, weddings, and parties. There are several meeting rooms that will be available as well. With all the growth in our area, rental space for large groups is at a premium, so we've been fielding calls about our grand opening," noted Mullaly. "Musicians from the orchestra will be available for booking, which makes our rentals intriguing to many."

For regular project photos and updates, visit www.flickr.com/photos/cantonsymphony.

Founded in 1937, the Canton Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate and entertain. Under the direction of Gerhardt Zimmermann, the orchestra performs classical, pops, holiday, and educational programs. Most performances are in Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th Street NW, Canton, Ohio (at McKinley High School across from C.T. Branin Natatorium). Parking at McKinley High School is free. For more information, visit www.CantonSymphony.org.

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