One of New York’s most exciting classical music stories is unfolding right now on West 37^th Street, in the relatively new multi-arts complex that houses the dance-oriented Baryshnikov Arts Center and the venerable theater company, the Wooster Group.  Until now, the cast concrete building, opened in 2005, has been presenting performances on its upper levels, in spare but beautifully appointed studios and the just-opened Jerome Robbins Theater, while a large portion of the rest of the building remains unfinished.  Now, on the building’s lower levels, the DiMenna Center for Classical Music is taking shape, as a home for the highly-respected, 36-year-old Orchestra or St. Luke's.

The DiMenna Center, planned to open in 2011 and already dubbed by the New York Times “a major boon for New York’s classical music scene,” will provide rehearsal, recording, and education facilities for the Orchestra and for many other of the city’s classical music groups.  The Orchestra will use the Center to offer free programs for community residents such as open rehearsals and lunchtime chamber music performances, supplementing the Orchestra's program of performances around New York, in venues like WNYC’s Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, Flushing Town Hall, Brooklyn Museum, Snug Harbor, Church of St. Luke in the Fields, and Wave Hill.

At a time when both real estate and arts institutions are in a certain degree of turmoil, the DiMenna Center represents a success story about how arts groups can work together, and the way enlightened city leadership can support a sound, imaginative plan.  Even the language used during a recent “construction party” at the DiMenna Center site reflects the degree of cooperation that exists among all parties.  “Housemates” is how New York City Cultural Commissioner Kate Levin described the DiMenna Center and the Baryshnikov Arts Center; “neighbors” was the word used by Orchestra of St. Luke’s President, Marianne C. Lockwood.  Both words genially round out the description of the kind of creative business partnership that, arising from tough times, ensures that New York can remain the global cultural capital that it is.

Classical TV will keep you posted with news of the DiMenna Center for Classical Music.  Meanwhile, for more information, see the Orchestra of St. Luke’s website.

Below, the DiMenna Center in its current state.  When it opens in 2011, the Center will boast a state-of-the-art orchestra rehearsal room, a chamber orchestra rehearsal room, musician's lounge, education center and recording room, green room, library, instrument storage, practice rooms, and a cafe/lounge.