One of music's best kept secrets celebrates 100 years, quietly
Summary
The Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress is celebrating its 100th anniversary. This concert hall, funded by philanthropist Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, has hosted a wide range of performances since it opened in 1925. Despite its rich history, the auditorium is facing temporary closure due to a government shutdown.Key Facts
- Coolidge Auditorium opened on October 28, 1925, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
- The auditorium was the idea of Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, not Congress.
- Coolidge funded the auditorium with an initial check of $60,000 and worked with Congress to legally allow the donation.
- It took less than six months to build the auditorium, which seats 485 people.
- The auditorium is known for its excellent acoustics, with unique architectural features like a concave back wall and cork flooring.
- Performers from various music genres have graced the stage, including Béla Bartók, Stevie Wonder, and Audra McDonald.
- The auditorium was equipped for radio broadcasts from the start, expanding its reach.
- The current government shutdown has led to the temporary closure of the auditorium, affecting its centennial celebrations.
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