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Tumult, Betrayal, Heroics, and the Transformation of Lincoln Center

Austin Ford

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Published in They Told Me Not To Take That Job: Tumult Betrayal Heroics And The Transformation Of Lincoln Center

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They Told Me Not to Take that Job: Tumult, Betrayal, Heroics, and the Transformation of Lincoln Center

by Nick Newlin

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23031 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	378 pages

The story of Lincoln Center is a complex and fascinating one, marked by both triumph and tragedy. From its humble beginnings as a swampy wasteland to its current status as one of the world's leading cultural centers, Lincoln Center has witnessed some of the most dramatic events in New York City history.

The Early Years

The idea for Lincoln Center originated in the early 1950s, when a group of civic leaders and philanthropists came together to create a new performing arts center in New York City. The site they chose was a 14-acre (5.7 ha) tract of land on the Upper West Side, which had been occupied by a slum and a racetrack.

The project was ambitious from the start. The plan called for the construction of three major theaters, a concert hall, and a library. The total cost was estimated at $100 million.

Construction began in 1959, and the first building, Philharmonic Hall (now David Geffen Hall),opened in 1962. The other buildings followed in quick succession: the Metropolitan Opera House in 1966, the New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater) in 1964, and the Vivian Beaumont Theater in 1965.

The Golden Age

In the years that followed its opening, Lincoln Center became a mecca for the performing arts. The world's greatest musicians, dancers, and actors performed on its stages. Audiences flocked to see the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the Juilliard School.

Lincoln Center also became a center for cultural innovation. In 1968, the New York Film Festival was founded. In 1972, the Lincoln Center Festival was launched. And in 1980, the Mostly Mozart Festival began.

The Challenges

Despite its success, Lincoln Center faced a number of challenges in the years that followed. In the 1970s, the city's fiscal crisis led to cuts in funding. In the 1980s, the AIDS epidemic took a toll on the performing arts community. And in the 1990s, the rise of new entertainment options, such as cable television and the Internet, posed a threat to traditional performing arts venues.

Lincoln Center responded to these challenges with a series of bold initiatives. In 1987, it launched a major capital campaign to renovate its buildings and expand its programming. In 1991, it created the Lincoln Center Institute to provide educational programs for students of all ages. And in 1999, it opened the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, a state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance space.

The Transformation

In recent years, Lincoln Center has undergone a dramatic transformation. In 2004, it completed a $1.2 billion renovation of its campus. The renovation included the construction of a new building, the Alice Tully Hall, and the renovation of the David Geffen Hall, the Metropolitan Opera House, and the New York State Theater.

The renovation has given Lincoln Center a new lease on life. The campus is now more beautiful and accessible than ever before. And the programming is more diverse and innovative than ever before.

The Future

Lincoln Center is now poised for a new era of growth and innovation. The center is planning to launch a number of new initiatives in the coming years, including a new education program, a new digital platform, and a new performing arts incubator.

Lincoln Center is a vital part of New York City's cultural landscape. It is a place where people can come to experience the best in the performing arts, to learn about the arts, and to be inspired by the arts.

The story of Lincoln Center is one of triumph, tragedy, and transformation. It is a story that is still unfolding. But one thing is for sure: Lincoln Center will continue to be a major force in the world of the performing arts for many years to come.

Image Credits

Lincoln Center at night: https://www.lincolncenter.org/images/lincoln-center-at-night_1200x630.jpg
David Geffen Hall: https://www.lincolncenter.org/images/david-geffen-hall_1200x630.jpg
Metropolitan Opera House: https://www.lincolncenter.org/images/metropolitan-opera-house_1200x630.jpg
New York State Theater: https://www.lincolncenter.org/images/new-york-state-theater_1200x630.jpg
Vivian Beaumont Theater: https://www.lincolncenter.org/images/vivian-beaumont-theater_1200x630.jpg
Alice Tully Hall: https://www.lincolncenter.org/images/alice-tully-hall_1200x630.jpg
Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse: https://www.lincolncenter.org/images/stanley-h-kaplan-penthouse_1200x630.jpg

They Told Me Not to Take that Job: Tumult, Betrayal, Heroics, and the Transformation of Lincoln Center

by Nick Newlin

4.3 out of 5