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A new era for music in Cleveland is about to begin.  

The �Ӱ�ԭ�� is proud to announce the grand reopening of a state-of-the-art Kulas Hall, designed with cutting-edge acoustic technology to provide an unparalleled concert and educational experience.  

Every detail of the transformed hall has been crafted to ensure clarity, warmth, and balance of sound, allowing both performers and audiences to experience music at its finest. From student recitals to full orchestra and opera performances, the new space will elevate the artistry of musicians and serve as a vibrant hub for the community to come together and celebrate the power of live performance.  

With the revitalized Kulas Hall, �Ӱ�ԭ�� is renewing both its status as a premier concert destination in the region and its dedication to the world’s finest classical music students. 

“Kulas Hall represents a bold investment in the future of music,” said Paul W. Hogle, �Ӱ�ԭ��’s President and CEO. “By offering a space with world-class acoustics, we’re giving our students the same caliber of performance environment they will encounter on the world’s finest stages.  

“This not only enhances their training and artistry but also makes our school a destination for aspiring musicians from around the globe who want to study, perform, and thrive in a setting that supports their talent. We look forward to unveiling this new chapter in �Ӱ�ԭ��’s storied legacy and hosting our students, faculty, local audiences, and, via a new multi-camera livestream technology, the world in this beautiful space.” 

ABOUT THE RENOVATION 

Kulas Hall, the historic heart of �Ӱ�ԭ��, has been under renovation since May 2024. Originally built in 1961 as a then-modern space, these renovations ensure the venue is once again at the leading edge of what a performance space can be.  

A campus master plan was undertaken in 2000 and resulted in the additions of Mixon Hall, the Robinson Library, and the Lennon Education Wing, in addition to a pre-schematic study for a renovation of Kulas Hall. 

Under the leadership of Board Chair Dr. Susan A. Rothmann and Kulas Hall Task Force Chair and �Ӱ�ԭ�� Trustee Bonnie M. Cook (BM ‘77), planning for the renovation of Kulas Hall began in earnest in 2022, with construction commencing in May 2024.  

With acoustic quality as the leading priority, the new Kulas will serve as both classroom and concert hall, supporting everything from rehearsals, solo recitals, and chamber music to orchestra concerts and opera productions. Chicago-based Threshold Acoustics reshaped the Hall for equal distribution of sound and now boasts a ceiling 30 feet taller than the original. It also features acoustical panels above an enhanced stage and orchestra pit, and adjustable acoustic banners throughout the hall. 

These acoustical choices play a vital role in the learning environment for �Ӱ�ԭ�� students, shaping not only how audiences hear their performance, but also how the musicians hear themselves and each other. Students can now experience the full richness and clarity of their sound, which helps them refine tone, balance, and ensemble playing with greater precision and better prepare them for professional settings.  

Cleveland-based J. KURTZ Architects designed the space with a darker color palette centering attention on the stage and the music, fostering connections between performers and audiences.  

The room’s new side walls consist of dense but relatively lightweight panels of wood terrazzo on top of a complex honeycomb structure. In addition, 460 new seats selected by the �Ӱ�ԭ�� community have been installed, along with new state-of-the-art theater lighting and sound technology. 

Work was completed on time and on budget by Turner Construction. Other partners included engineering firms Algebra AEC and Barber & Hoffman, as well as Theatre Projects and project manager Cost+Plus.  

FUNDING AND PARTNERSHIPS 

Funding for the $22 million renovation of Kulas Hall kicked off with a planning grant followed by a $1 million gift from the Kulas Foundation. A history-making $5 million gift from Kevin & Kristen Stein and Family soon followed. With dozens of donors making gifts from $50 to many millions and generous support from the State of Ohio, the project has exceeded its funding goals.  

Such broad support recognizes the fact that �Ӱ�ԭ�� – and Kulas Hall in particular –frequently hosts groups based in Northeast Ohio. Regular partners include Piano Cleveland, Apollo’s Fire, ChamberFest Cleveland, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and Cleveland School of the Arts. 

GRAND REOPENING CELEBRATION, OCTOBER 3 

Kulas Hall reopens to the public at 7:30pm Friday, October 3 with a free celebratory concert featuring the �Ӱ�ԭ�� Orchestra and guest conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, music director of the North Carolina Symphony and Musical America’s 2019 Conductor of the Year.  

Beginning with this concert, and continuing throughout the season, the �Ӱ�ԭ�� Orchestra and soloist’s from �Ӱ�ԭ��’s Voice Department will perform segments from the recently commissioned Woodland Songs by Chickasaw composer and �Ӱ�ԭ�� alumnus Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate (MM ’01).  

�Ӱ�ԭ��’s Jonathan and Linn Epstein Artist-in-Residence, the world-renowned pianist Gabriela Montero, will perform her acclaimed “Latin” Piano Concerto No. 1. The program concludes with works by celebrated Mexican composers Carlos Chavez and Silvestre Revueltas.  

The evening will also feature a ceremonial pre-concert ribbon cutting at 7pm and a public post-concert reception. Free seating passes are available at cim.edu/events. 

DAY OF MUSIC, OCTOBER 4 

On Saturday, October 4, from noon to 6pm, �Ӱ�ԭ�� will open its doors for a lively, free “Day of Music” marking the re-opening of Kulas Hall. The day will feature community groups, chamber music, family-friendly activities, local vendors and food trucks.  

Special guests will include: 

• Linking Legacies: Violinist John McLaughlin Williams (BM ’97, MM ’97) and pianist Dianna White-Gould of the Music Settlement perform works by African American composers with ties to Northeast Ohio
• The University of Akron Steel Drum Band
• Students in the Historical Performance Program at Case Western Reserve University
• The Jordan Choir: Congolese singers from Cleveland’s Church of the Covenant Swahili service
• Cleveland International Piano Competition winner, Van Cliburn International Piano Competition silver medalist and �Ӱ�ԭ�� piano faculty Antonio Pompa-Baldi curates a Piano Extravaganza
• Performances by �Ӱ�ԭ�� Academy and Conservatory students
• Opus 216: an eclectic set of multi-genre music featuring original compositions, improvisation, and an opportunity for young listeners to join in!
• Instructor Graham Rosen will lead a free Dalcroze eurhythmics class at 2pm. No experience or registration required
• Cleveland Institute of Art students will be creating original art pieces throughout the day 

Grammy Award-winning guitarist and �Ӱ�ԭ�� faculty member Jason Vieaux rounds out the Day of Music with a solo classical guitar recital at 7:30pm. One of the most acclaimed guitarists in the world and the winner of a coveted 2025 Cleveland Arts Prize, Vieaux will grace the new Kulas Hall with works by Albeniz, Sor, Metheny, and Merlin. Free seating passes are available at cim.edu/events.  

�Ӱ�ԭ�� Threshold Acoustics 

Threshold Acoustics and Audio Video design consultants design places of gathering to share wisdom and culture. Its approach reinforces the visual realm of architecture with the subtlety, power, and delight that sound can bring to the built environment. Threshold’s team of 35 holds extensive experience delivering groundbreaking, complex projects. The team is backed by specialists in finite element analysis, digital acoustic modeling, visualizations, and auralization. 

�Ӱ�ԭ�� J. KURTZ Architects

J. KURTZ Architects is a practice-based firm in Cleveland designing spaces of distinct, behavior-shaping character. It navigates ambitious and often complex projects while maintaining personal investment and accountability. The studio often works with non-profits such as �Ӱ�ԭ�� to develop environments conducive to education, cultural performance, and work. Its projects regularly attract local and national recognition, and past clients remain ardent supporters.  

KULAS HALL RENOVATION TASK FORCE  

TRUSTEES  

Bonnie M. Cook (BM ’77), Task Force Chair  

Robert Conrad  

Charles P. Cooley III  

Jeffrey B. Linton  

Jonathan P. Miller, MD  

Shawn M. Riley  

Susan A. Rothmann, PhD  

Kevin Stein  

GOVERNING MEMBERS  

Eugene Blackstone, MD  

Deborah L. Neale  

FACULTY  

François Germain  

STAFF  

Alan Bise (BM ‘94) 

Brian J. Foss  

Scott Harrison  

Paul W. Hogle  

Mark L. Litzler 

Nancy Starner