Major renovations to the College of Music's primary performance venue have been completed, transforming the playing and listening experience for faculty and student musicians and audiences alike.

The Music Building Auditorium, the heart of performance life in the College of Music, has been used for student rehearsals and recitals, faculty concerts, and master classes by visiting guest artists for more than 70 years. Over the summer, this intimate and historic venue was  completely renovated bringing the space in line with the professional performance standards of the twenty-first century. Plans developed by a national team of architects and acousticians enhanced the quality of the listening experience and delivered greater comfort and additional amenities for our patrons.

“[In the Music Auditorium] you would sing into the space and it would die,” says sophomore Joshua Gronlund, “so now our voices will carry out into the room and it will be much more enjoyable to sing. And it’s beautiful, I’ve seen what it’s going to look like and looking out into an audience and a space where there is beauty, it will hopefully inspire our music to be a little more beautiful.”

The extensive renovation includes new seating, acoustical treatments, the installation of air conditioning and improved heating and ventilation systems, state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities, new lighting, and warm wood finishes throughout.

At the October 12 dedication ceremony and concert, the venue was renamed the Cook Recital Hall in honor of Byron and Dee Cook, longtime friends and supporters of MSU and the College of Music.

“It shows what a difference two individuals can make,” says James Forger, dean of the college, “because this sort of thing does not happen unless there are people that are willing to step up and say ‘this is important,’ and provide financial leadership. Two people in this instance – Dee and Byron Cook – have made a tremendous difference that will serve generations of students.”

Grand Opening of Cook Recital Hall
As a grand opening, the College of Music’s chamber music concert series, the Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series, will kick off its season in the newly remodeled hall on October 28 and 29 presenting two performances of All American – Piazzolla to Joplin.

Performers, including Reggie Thomas, jazz piano; Joseph Lulloff, saxophone; Deborah Moriarty, piano; the Beaumont Brass; and the Professors of Jazz, explore music of the Americas, from Scott Joplin’s piano ragtime to the sultry tangos of Astor Piazzolla. Kenneth Prouty will give a preview lecture 45 minutes before each performance.
This concert is generously sponsored by Byron and Dee Cook.

Reserved seating, new ticket prices
In response to our patrons, the Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series, beginning its third year, will now have reserved seating. Tickets, $15 Adults, $12 Seniors (age 60 and older), $5 Students with ID and anyone under age 18 (free “rush” seating for students, if available, just prior to curtain for any unsold seats.), can be purchased at the door 60 minutes before the concert, online West Circle Series tickets, and Cello Plus tickets, or in the Music Office via phone, (517) 353-5340; or in person in room 102, Music Building, M-F, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

All West Circle concerts will be held in Cook Recital Hall, Music Building, 333 W. Circle Drive, and our Vivace Shuttle will be available before and after each of the concerts. See details below of the entire West Circle Series.

All American
Sun., October 28, 3 p.m. and Mon., October 29 7:30 p.m.
Performers, including Reggie Thomas, jazz piano; Joseph Lulloff, saxophone; Deborah Moriarty, piano; and the Professors of Jazz, explore music of the Americas, from Scott Joplin’s piano ragtime to the sultry tangos of Astor Piazzolla. Kenneth Prouty will give a preview lecture 45 minutes before each performance.
Concert is generously sponsored by Byron and Dee Cook.

Rachmaninoff!
Sun., November 18, 3 p.m. and Mon., November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Explore with us the passion and beauty of Rachmaninoff in a concert that ranges from solo piano to songs. Performers: Minsoo Sohn, piano; Suren Bagratuni, cello; Molly Fillmore, soprano; and Alan Nathan, piano. Kevin Bartig will give a preview lecture 45 minutes before each performance.
Concert is generously sponsored by William David Brohn.

Happy Birthday Mozart
Sun., January 27, 3 p.m. and Mon., January 28, 7:30 p.m.
Please join us in the West Circle Series’ annual birthday celebration for one of the world’s most beloved composers. Marcie Ray will give a preview lecture 45 minutes before each performance.
Concert is generously sponsored by Beth and the late Dr. Milton Muelder.

All About Brahms
Sun., February 24, 3 p.m. and Mon., February 25, 7:30 p.m.
Much more than a lullaby – this concert features the beautiful Liebeslieder Waltzes and the astonishingly powerful Piano Quintet. Performers include Derek Polischuk, piano; Deborah Moriarty, piano; Melanie Helton, soprano; Molly Fillmore, soprano; Richard Fracker, tenor; Peter Lightfoot, baritone; Minsoo Sohn, piano; Dmitri Berlinsky, violin; I-Fu Wang, violin; Yuri Gandelsman, viola; and Suren Bagratuni, cello. Michael Callahan will give a preview lecture 45 minutes before each performance.
Concert is generously sponsored by Hari Kern and the late Ralph R. Edminster, M.D.

Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival, in its 13th year presenting a wide variety of classical music, is also part of the Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series. 
Concerts include the following:

Schubert and More 
Sun., March 17, 2013, 3 p.m. with a preview lecture at 2:15 p.m.
Concert is generously sponsored by Larry Snyder and Wendy Champness.

Early Beethoven 
Tues., March 19, 7:30 p.m. with a preview lecture at 6:45 p.m.
Concert is generously sponsored by Linda Nelson and by April Clobes and Glen Brough.

Bach Around the Clock – the Sequel, a 12-hour marathon
Thurs., March 21, three complete concerts at 12, 3, and 7:30 p.m.,
plus two free performances by College of Music students at 2 and 5 p.m. with preview lectures 15 minutes before each marathon concert and performance
Marathon is generously sponsored by Joanne and Bill Church.

Happy Anniversary Brahms 
Sat., March 23, 8:00 p.m.
(Preview lecture at 7:15 p.m.)
Concert is generously sponsored by Selma and the late Stanley Hollander.

The entire West Circle Series, including Cello Plus, is sponsored by Joanne and Bill Church.

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