Newswise — On September 1, 2004, the dream becomes reality with the grand opening performance in the Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport University. President Paul S. Trible announced today that American entertainment icon Tony Bennett will open the 440-seat Music and Theatre Hall, captivating the audience with his commanding performance.
"We are delighted to have the star power of Tony Bennett as the opening performer in the Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport University," said Trible. Â "He is an American treasure and we are honored by his appearance at CNU. Â This is a preview of the caliber and quality of the great performances to come to our campus and to Newport News."
Bennett is one of America's leading traditional pop singers after more than five decades. He has most recently shared his music and his vocal style with the MTV generation through groundbreaking music videos and his Grammy-winning 1994 Album of the Year, MTV Unplugged .
From pop sensation Tony Bennett to the widely celebrated chamber music of the Academy of St. Martin in Fields, the holiday classic "Babes in Toyland" to the Grammy award-winning African American female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, the opening season - consistent with the mission of the Ferguson Center - brings world-class entertainment for audiences of all ages and interests. (Full schedule to follow)
What began as a dream eight years ago with the arrival of former U.S. Senator Trible, The Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport University will be one of the most important cultural beacons in the Commonwealth, attracting world-class performers.
Incorporating an open design and multifaceted, adaptable layout, the Ferguson Center lends itself to a variety of purposes. Three separate and unique theaters, modern classrooms, rehearsal halls, design labs, soundproof practice rooms, dance spaces and scene and costume shops were developed to meet the educational needs of CNU students - now and for generations to come.
Phase I of the Ferguson Center for the Arts, which includes the 440-seat Music and Theatre Hall, a 200-seat Studio Theatre, and teaching and rehearsal spaces, will be completed this summer. To be completed in spring of 2005, Phase II will include the impressive 1,700-seat Concert Hall and supporting spaces.
"This world-class facility will transform our community and enrich the life of Virginia," said Trible. "With the opening of the Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport University, Newport News and CNU will emerge as a distinctive destination that nurtures the growth and development of the arts as integral to the lives of its residents. Â The Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport University will dramatically alter the face of the Virginia peninsula and serve as a catalyst for cultural and economic growth and personal enrichment. It will forever distinguish the community and the Commonwealth. We express our deepest gratitude to the many partners--public and private--who have made this exciting dream a reality."
The Ferguson Center for the Arts was designed by the New York architectural firm of Pei Cobb Freed and Partners, the creative force behind many of the most celebrated buildings in the world. Their works of art include the acclaimed "glass pyramid" expansion of the Louvre in Paris, the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, the Bank of China in Hong Kong, and the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas.
The Commonwealth of Virginia, the municipalities of Newport News, Hampton, York County, and Poquoson, 64 corporationsand foundations, and 518 individuals have contributed to make this exciting facility a reality.
Under Trible's leadership, the campus has been transformed by nearly $300 million in capital projects over the past eight years. Other projects include The Freeman Center, fourteen new residence halls, and POMOCO Stadium. Construction has begun on additional projects including the expansion and renovation of the Captain John Smith Library, a new student center, and CNU Village - a residential and commercial complex.
Public ticket sales begin August 9, 2004. For more information please call (757) 594-7358 or visit us at http://www.cnu.edu.
Christopher Newport University is a four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia. CNU enrolls nearly 4,800 students through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Business. CNU's faculty and staff of nearly 1,000 focus on "students first," outstanding teaching, access and opportunity, and liberal learning. CNU is committed to leadership in the community and the Commonwealth.
RSS