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BEMF CONTELLATIONCENTER EXHIBITION BRINGS TEAM MEMBERS AND PROJECT LEADERS FROM EUROPE TOGETHER
Every Boston Early Music Festival gives us the unique opportunity to have discussions with artists, artistic organizations, and audience members who will become part of the supporting network for ConstellationCenter. This year, knowing the audience we’d be speaking with, ConstellationCenter hosted a series of lectures from speakers both directly and indirectly related to the project.
George Ellerington and Alex Wardle from Arup Venue Consulting presented talks pertaining to the design of the Odeon. George discussed the intricacies and issues we are working to define and resolve in designing and constructing the first Baroque opera house since the nineteenth century. Alex enlightened audiences with his discussion of designing a new lighting technique which will effectively recreate the warmth and animation brought to live performances by candles. In addition, George, Alex, and President Glenn KnicKrehm, held a panel discussion entitled “Visual Effects in the Seventeenth Century: How They Made Opera like the Movies.”
ConstellationCenter researchers Rachel Nelson and Steve Milton illuminated future performance modes for the Center in their discussions of medieval church choir boxes and music, and non-Western performing arts venues and how the Center will accommodate East Asian traditions of performance.
In addition to the presenting talks from team members, ConstellationCenter invited two project leaders from Europe to discuss their own endeavors in bringing new life to musically and historically significant buildings. Dr. Jürgen Götz discussed the efforts he and his team of experts are making in restoring the Michaeliskirche in Hildesheim, Germany – a church noted for the important nature of its architecture, art and musical history. Significant strides have been made to protect and restore the Michaeliskirche. János Malina discussed the cultural significance of Haydn’s lost opera house at Eszterháza in Fertőd, Hungary, and the surrounding complex. Malina is heading a foundation seeking to rebuild the opera house.
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