LJMS names architect for new music center

Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA, designed by Epstein Joslin Architects. Photo: Epstein Joslin Architects

The La Jolla Music Societys decision to build a new performing arts center was prompted by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diegos plans to convert Sherwood Auditorium into gallery space.

But dont call the Music Societys proposed 500-seat concert hall an auditorium.

I think its sad when concert halls become simply auditoriums, said architect Alan Joslin of Epstein Joslin Architects. Theres a magic we seek in them, something that really reaches for a higher level of experience, something thats moving.

Epstein Joslin Architects will be making magic for the La Jolla Music Society.

The La Jolla Music Society has hired the Cambridge, Mass.-based firm to design its new $40 million performing arts center at 7600 Fay Ave. in La Jolla, between Pearl Avenue and Kline Street.

With the projects, like the firm's Shalin Liu Performance center in Rockport, Mass, and Joslin's work as a lead designer on the Boston Symphony's Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood, and the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD, the firm is renowned for its expertise in creating performing spaces.

In our minds, it was no contest, absolutely no contest, said La Jolla Music Society president and artistic director Christopher Beach. It was a runaway win for Epstein Joslin architects.

They understood us, they understood the village, they listened to us. And we believe having seen their work that they were best qualified without question to build a performing arts center that was new and exciting and memorable and grounded in the village.

Epstein Joslin principals, from left, Alan Joslin (principal-in-charge and design lead for the La Jolla project), Deborah Epstein (lead for interiors and finishes), Ray Porfilio (permitting, code and technical requirements).

See the article here:
LJMS names architect for new music center