"Arthur was deeply committed to sharing his good fortune with others. He also profoundly
believed in the transformative power of the arts. The Arthur Zankel Music Center unites
these two passions in a powerful way, allowing the College to share the joy of world-class
musical performance, teaching, and learning, not only for the College but for the
entire upstate region."
Martin Zankel
Since our founding in 1903, Skidmore's music program has been central to the College's
curriculum. Over the years the program has not just grown but in fact flourished.
Skidmore has become an arts mecca with a curriculum that spans the globe with its
richness and offerings. The dramatic success of music at Skidmore poses a sharp new
challenge—a pressing need for expansion. A new music center is urgently needed, one
large enough to house the music program, designed for twenty-first century performance
requirements, and equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to support the highest
standards of collegiate music performance and education.
The Arthur Zankel Music Center, named in honor of longtime Skidmore trustee and parent
Arthur Zankel, will welcome every visitor to Skidmore, serving as a gateway to the
arch of the arts quadrangle at the entrance to campus. Daring in its appearance, efficient
in its use of space, the Zankel Music Center will create a true arts quad with its
distinguished neighbors: the Marjorie Saisselin Art Building, the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard
Theater, and the original Filene Music Building. Imagine a venue that can not only
accommodate both large and small crowds seamlessly, but one with a world-class acoustic
system that will make everything from a small concert to a full-scale symphony sound
truly amazing.
The Arthur Zankel Music Center will stand as both a welcoming beacon to visitors and
a symbol of our deep commitment to creativity and the arts. This nearly 54,000 square-foot
facility will include a 600-seat concert hall, a state-of-the-art recording studio,
and an intimate, 100-seat lecture and recital hall, as well as more practice rooms,
classrooms, offices, and storage for student instruments.
The total cost of the Arthur Zankel Music Center project is estimated at $44.5 million,
of which $32.5 million will go toward construction expenses and $12 million will be
set aside in an endowment to support the projected operating budget for the new building
(estimated at $600,000 each year). The College will continue to seek additional contributions
to complete this effort in time for the Music Center's formal opening in October 2010.
For more information about how you can help or to learn about a special seat campaign
opportunity, please contact the Office of the Campaign Director at 518-580-5660.