Where in the Hudson Valley…?
Larger than life, this 40-by-80-foot mural (a portion of which is pictured here) takes up the entire side of a brownstone in the heart of an upper Valley city. The mural depicts the interior of a nearby concert hall in which performers have been entertaining audiences and music lovers for more than 120 years.
Crafted in Beaux-Arts and French Renaissance style, the building pictured in the mural was originally constructed as a bank; later, a concert auditorium was added on the upper floor as a gift of appreciation to the local citizens for their patronage. The combination of the two is certainly unique, but — because of the way it is constructed — the venue became renowned throughout the country for its acoustics. Everything from the hard wall at the back of the stage to the vaulted ceiling, rectangular shape, and unique proportions of the space help to create the rich, full sound so highly prized by musicians and audiences alike.
Over the years the venue has featured performances by musical powerhouses such as Benny Goodman, Marian Anderson, and Vladimir Horowitz; in the 20th century, it was nearly shuttered as support of the arts lagged in favor of other forms of entertainment. In 1989 the hall was named a National Historic Landmark, and for much of its history it was a must-stop performance location for musicians, opera singers, and orchestras from around the world. Today the ornately decorated theater is still in use for half of the year, showcasing world-class musical acts that bring vibrancy to this riverfront city.
Do you know the name of the historic hall depicted in this mural, and the city in which both the mural and the hall are located? Send us your answer as a comment in the box below. The first reader who submits the correct response wins a prize. Good luck!