The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts opens on September 4, and San Antonio Symphony Music Director Sebastian Lang-Lessing described the new home for the symphony.
“I have to say it’s very chic. And it’s very stylish and modern, and yet amazingly intimate,” he said.
Lang-Lessing has been involved in the development in the Tobin for years. He said he thinks the Tobin will be the place for performing arts in the city, but he wanted to make this important distinction.
“Going to the concert will be, on a social scale will be upgraded so much; without being elitist and scaring away people who might think it’s too elitist — it won’t be,” he said.
By his description it also sounds like it will be a nice step up in comfort.
“I have to say that the seats are the most comfortable I’ve ever seen," Lang-Lessing said. "And also the space you have; it’s like every seat is a first class seat.”
Lang-Lessing said like Sydney’s Opera House, the Tobin Center will become more than just a building.
“The Tobin Center definitely will become one of the iconic buildings of San Antonio,” he said.
As to the September 4 opening in the completely re-imagined Municipal Auditorium, the symphony has big plans.
“We play "American in Paris," you have a selection from "Carmen," the (San Antonio) Ballet is doing "Swan Lake," so it’s going to be old favorites," he said. "The biggest important statement is that this hall is built to be a performing arts hall for the resident companies.”
The symphony, Ballet San Antonio, and Opera San Antonio will all call the center home. He said the Tobin won't be confused with the other downtown venues.
“Not another Broadway theater or another entertainment hall; it’s for the performing arts," he said. "It is one of the most beautiful halls in the country -- no question.”
- For more on the Tobin Center visit: www.tobincenter.org
