The Enduring Magic of Chenery Auditorium
The historic Chenery Auditorium will host several of this year’s most highly anticipated concerts. Described as “one of the most beautiful concert halls in the whole of America” by 1998 Gilmore artist Leif Ove Andsnes, Chenery was completed over a century ago and has remained a cornerstone of arts and culture in Kalamazoo.
According to Kalamazoo Public School’s website, Chenery Auditorium was originally commissioned for Kalamazoo Central High School and built to replace an earlier venue that, although large, did not have ideal acoustics. From the beginning, however, it was envisioned as more than just a school venue. An August 1922 Kalamazoo Gazette article stated that it would be used for “…assemblies, lectures, musicals…and as a community auditorium for the general public.” That vision quickly became reality. Writer Glenn Aumond said of this 2,700-seat theatre (more than double the number of high school students they had at the time),
“…for a number of years we have wanted an atmosphere where we could appreciate the high-class attractions which come here,
“…for a number of years we have wanted an atmosphere where we could appreciate the high-class attractions which come here, other than those which play our local theatres throughout the season.” And that’s what Kalamazoo received.
Over time, it evolved into Kalamazoo’s premier performing arts space. While it continues to host school productions, it has also welcomed world-class artists from around the globe. Mrs. Edna Stanley, longtime president of Kalamazoo Community Concerts, recalled that performers “…loved to come here because they loved the Central Auditorium and its superb acoustics. Many of the European conductors told us it was just like playing at home.”
A Piano Mystery, Solved
One lesser-known story involves the mystery of Chenery’s Steinway piano. Every Steinway piano gets a unique serial number when it is made. Unfortunately, someone painted over the number on the piano in Chenery Auditorium many years ago, so neither they nor Detroit Steinway could figure out what year it was made. They did have their suspicions, as the piano was previously strung with steel strings instead of copper, which was a Steinway practice in the early 1940’s so that the copper could be used in the war effort. Still, its exact history remained uncertain.
Lucky for them, The Gilmore often utilized Chenery Auditorium for performances. In 2019, before performing on this very piano,
2010 Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein was also drawn into the same question: how old was it? Using his connections at Steinway, he photographed the harp’s foundry stamp and sent it to a colleague. Within an hour, Steinway’s historian had identified the instrument and uncovered its history. Here’s what they learned:
- The piano’s harp was cast on 10/17/1932.
- The assembly was completed on 12/13/1940.
- It was then shipped to Detroit Steinway, and then straight to us!
The long-standing hunch was correct: the piano dates to the 1940s. But it took 2010 Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein to confirm the full story.
It’s fitting, then, that Gerstein returns to Chenery this year for a performance with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, brilliantly showcasing the hall’s remarkable acoustics. Not only that, but he will also join legendary jazz pianist Brad Mehldau on May 4 for a duo piano recital at Dalton Center Recital Hall.
May 6: Kirill Gerstein & KSO with Beethoven’s Piano Concertos
On Wednesday, May 6, Gerstein takes on an extraordinary challenge with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra: performing and conducting three of Beethoven’s piano concertos in a single evening.
This approach echoes Ludwig van Beethoven himself, who often led performances from the keyboard. Audiences will experience these masterworks much as they were originally presented: an intense and exhilarating feat that highlights both virtuosity and musical leadership.
Performing even one Beethoven concerto is demanding; performing three while conducting is truly remarkable.
KIRILL GERSTEIN & KSO WITH BEETHOVEN’S PIANO CONCERTOS | Wednesday, May 6, 7:30 pm | Get Tickets | Concert Info
This is just one of the exciting events at Chenery this season. See the full lineup below:
- Joshua Bell: Fri, April 24, 2026 – 7:30 pm
- From Cliburn to Kantorow: A Celebration of Tchaikovsky: Fri, May 1, 2026 – 7 pm
- Right in the Eye — Family Concert: Sat, May 2, 2026 – 2 pm
- Alexandre Kantorow, 2024 Gilmore Artist: Sat, May 2, 2026 – 8 pm
- Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet: Sat May 9, 2026 – 7:30 pm
- Finale: Sullivan Fortner Trio featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant & Ambrose Akinmusire: Sun May 10, 2026 – 4 pm
