What’s next in music The Knight Center for Music Innovation, currently under construction along Lake Osceola, will transform music education through musical performance and experimentation. A ceremonial signing of a steel beam marked a major milestone in the construction of a new 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art performance and technology center at the
Signing the steel beam to mark the naming of the Knight Center for Music Innovation, from left,
University of Miami Phillip and Patricia Frost
Shelton G. Berg, dean of the Frost School of Music; Alberto Ibargüen, D.H.L. ’13 (Hon.), president
School of Music and moved the school ever
and CEO of the Knight Foundation; and President Julio Frenk.
closer to its vision of transforming music education in the 21st century. Members of the Board of Trustees, Frost School of Music benefactors, and University leaders gathered for the occasion which also included the unveiling of the center’s new name—the
strengthen connections between the Coral Gables campus and the Greater Miami community. The beautifully landscaped Newman Plaza will serve as a
Knight Center for Music Innovation—in recognition of the generous
vibrant gathering point with live music and other presentations
commitment from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
streamed on a 20-foot-by-40-foot LED “window cast” system on
“As innovators, musicians across the globe use technology to
a near nightly basis. A giant external wall facing the intramural fields
create works that push the boundaries of creativity,” said Victoria
will enable the University to “wall cast” headline performances and
Rogers, vice president of Knight’s arts program. “We are honored
international artists for broad viewership.
to support the Knight Center for Music Innovation, which will serve
“The Knight Center for Music Innovation will remake the
as a hub for experimentation around music making, expanding the
Frost School for generations to come. It will enhance our ability to
imaginations of musicians as well as their audiences.”
leverage new and emerging technologies to deliver groundbreaking
Designed by H3, an Arquitectonica Company, the Knight
experiences to some of the world’s most gifted and rising talent,”
Center for Music Innovation, scheduled for completion in spring
said Shelly Berg, dean of the Frost School. “It will secure our stature
2023, is an extraordinary fusion of architecture and technology.
among the best music schools in the country and bring people
With a stunning facade overlooking Lake Osceola, the cutting-
together through the power of music.”
edge structure will encompass an array of next-generation features
Joining the Knight Foundation as lead donors to the new
and facilities that will enable Frost students, faculty members, and
center are: the Miller Family, Robert and Judi Newman Family
visiting artists to embrace new modalities of musical performance
Foundation (outdoor plaza), Thomas D. Hormel Trust (black-box
and experimentation. A glass lobby will bring the lake views indoors,
innovation stage), Paul J. DiMare Foundation (first floor lobby),
creating a striking backdrop and silhouette.
James M. Collins Foundation and Christian Family Fellowship
Housing a world-class, acoustically superior 200-seat recital
4
spaces. Outdoor performance spaces are designed to further
Foundation (auditorium), C and A Johnson Family Foundation, H.
hall and a large black-box innovation space, the center is equipped
David Garrity Trust, Rita A. Wallach Estate, Tommy and Mayumi
with the most advanced recording, lighting, and broadcast
Adams (first floor box office), Wilbur Coolidge Keeney Estate, and
technology, elevating Frost’s performance, rehearsal, and teaching
Sally Albrecht (second floor dressing room).
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
