University of Maine - Prism Yearbook (Orono, ME)

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On September 20. 1986 over f ifteen years of inspiration, fund raising, ambition, and hard work culminated in the spectacular grand open- ing gala of the long awaited MAINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS Over 1600 people who shared in this dream joined with two of the most formi- dable musicians of our time. Isaac Stem and Yo Yo Ma. in commencing a fabulous inaugural season. World reknown violinist Isaac Stem, cellist Yo Yo Ma. and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra w ith conductor Werner Torkanowsky did not disappoint their audience, who were thrilled with the breathtaking performances. The gala first season at the Concert Hall for the Maine Center for the Arts was an resounding success including such productions as the musi- cal A Chorus Line and The Nutcracker , dance performers such as Momix and the Hart- ford Ballet, and other artists representing mime, ragtime, modem dance.children's theater, jazz, and chamber music. Credit should be given to the architect of the Maine Center for the Arts. Eaton Tarbell. for creating such a magnificent and enduring struc- ture. Russell Bodwcll. chairman of the Center's building committee, and generous donors El- izabeth Noyce. F. Russell Hudson. Ruth and Curtis Hutchins. Charles Bragg, and others too numerous to name should also be credited for their magnamimous contributions which helped bring the dream into reality. Lastly, Director Joel Katz and staff should also be congratulated for a successful first season. Also opening in the MAINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS was the Hudson Museum which dis- plays ancient artifact collections. The Hudson Museum was dedicated in memory of Caroline Doanc Hudson and its permanent collection of pre-Columbian, Mexican, and Central American materials were contributed by William P Palmer III. As Richard Emerick. director of the museum, and professor of Anthropology at UMAlNE.so aptly said, Museums remind people of what they were, show them what they are. and suggest to them what they can become. Certainly the people of Maine agree that the MAINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS was a welcome addition and will be sure to expand the future horizon for culture and the arts in Maine.

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A grand performance! The 1986-1987 academic year was filled wuh grand openings, new beginnings, changes, and expansions for the newly christened University of Maine. The old UMO dropped its ’o'and became a faint memory as September welcomed a new chancellor and president to the helm ot the University Not to be forgotten, the long awaited completion of the Maine Center for the Arts culminated in a spectacular opening night featur- ing Yo Yo Ma and Isaac Stern.

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