Articulations
A report on the financial momentum of the proposed Long Center for the Performing Arts; the loss of two beloved area musicians and teachers.
By Robert Faires, Fri., Dec. 24, 1999
Dollar Watch: Long Center
The drive to transform Palmer Auditorium into the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts keeps gaining momentum, at least financially. While the pace for the center's construction has slowed (owing to the city's request for an extension in the project timeline -- "Articulations," Nov. 12, 1999) and the enthusiasm for the project may have been sapped in some corners by the new flap over enlarging the center's proposed parking garage ("Naked City," Dec. 10 and 17, 1999), ARTS Center Stage, the organization leading the Long Center campaign, continues to rack up impressive donations. In just the last month, the organization has announced three new gifts totaling $7.25 million. Those donations include:
The corporate gift came from San Antonio grocery store chain HEB, which pledged $250,000 toward the Long Center's creation. The two big individual gifts came from Jeff and Gail Kodosky, who donated $2 million to the cause; and Kevin and Debra Rollins, who pledged $5 million. The Kodoskys, whose ties to high tech come from National Instruments, a firm Jeff Kadosky co-founded in 1976, will have the center's green room named in their honor. The Rollins, who are wired through Dell, where Kevin is vice chairman, will have the recital theatre named in their honor. When combined with earlier gifts, including the $20 million given by Joe and Teresa Long themselves, the total amount raised to date tops $36 million, which puts funding for the project around the halfway point. (The final budget figure won't be set until design is completed next year.) For more information, call ARTS Center Stage at 482-0800.
In Memoriam
Belated sympathies to the family and friends of Janet McGaughey, professor of music emeritus at the UT School of Music, who died Wednesday, December 8. For a third of a century -- 1950-1984 -- McGaughey taught music theory at UT, instructing aspiring musicians in ear training, analysis, harmony, and score reading. Her devotion to both her field of expertise and her students led to several awards, including teaching excellence awards from the UT Students' Association in 1959 and 1965, and the Texas Music Teachers Association's "Teacher of the Year" award in 1980. In addition to teaching, McGaughery wrote the textbook Practical Ear Training; composed and performed her own works of music; and provided music for the Unitarian Universalist Church for 48 years. A memorial service was held at the church Saturday, December 19.
Belated sympathies also to the loved ones, fans, and students of Karl Fruh, one-time cellist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and professor emeritus at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, who also died in early December. Before retiring here, Fruh developed world-class skill as a string player and passed on his knowledge of the instrument and of music in general to many students. The effectiveness of his instruction can be seen in the large number of his pupils who now perform with great orchestras worldwide. Many of Fruh's local fans came to know him through his performances with the Austin Chamber Music Center. He will be missed.
