Demolishing the Historic Ampitheater and replacing it with a replica undermines the fabric of our Chuataqua community. A great deal of pleasure is derived from sitting onin the very same structure and on the very same benches as family members, friends and notable historic figures from the generations that have gone before. Something very intangible and magical about the ampitheater will be lost if we tear down the hallowed structure lovingly reffered to as "The Amp."
J
John Ross Oliver
11 years ago
The Amphitheater stands as a landmark where Chautauquans gather for church, cultural events, lectures, concerts, and fun (Air Band!). Our spirit, creativity, knowledge, and sense of joy grow from these experiences. We disburse to engage in our favorite activities like water skiing, playing softball at Sharpe Field, or taking kids and grandkids to the Children’s School playground. But we always return to “home base” and gather again at the Amp. It has a special magnetic effect of bringing us back for a reunion. Our gathering place restores our lives every time we visit. Let’s join together, never to demolish, but to preserve our beloved Amphitheater.
D
darlyne johnston
11 years ago
want to receive these emails pertaining to the amp
N
Nancy Follansbee, Jr. and Sr. & Brooks Follansbee
11 years ago
People go to Chautauqua and the Amp because it does not change.
D
Deb Solyan
11 years ago
I love the Institute and the Amphitheater. Please preserve this wonderful structure!!
Why am I not surprised that the Institution misled us? Could it be because there has been a long history of such behavior by those in power?
A
Arja Storm van Leeuwen
11 years ago
save tradition! You've got such à nice one with the Amp Be proud and save it!
S
Steve J
11 years ago
Save the amp. This is unique and can't be replaced
P
Patricia Lewis
11 years ago
I love the Amp, especially the bleachers
M
Matt Newquist
11 years ago
I am crushed by this news. I had the pleasure of spending my summers in Chautauqua as a young kid. I saw so many musicians on this stage that inspired me to play the music I play today. It's has been a goal of mine to someday play this stage for my family. I made this a goal for myself years ago and I carry this personal dream in my heart as motivation to measure my success. The music world is a frustrating and very challenging place at times. I refuse to lose track of my goal and will do whatever I can do to help this cause. Please let me know ANYTHING that I can do to change this sad news. I'm simply floored by this.
M
Matt Newquist
11 years ago
I am crushed by this news. I had the pleasure of spending my summers in Chautauqua as a young kid. I saw so many musicians on this stage that inspired me to play the music I play today. It's has been a goal of mine to someday play this stage for my family. I made this a goal for myself years ago and I carry this personal dream in my heart as motivation to measure my success. The music world is a frustrating and very challenging place at times. I refuse to lose track of my goal and will do whatever I can do to help this cause. Please let me know ANYTHING that I can do to change this sad news. I'm simply floored by this.
C
C EB
11 years ago
We are horrified that the structure with such historic significance would be demolished. Such a disappointment. We guess money talks but it sure doesn't honor history. Miller and Vincent would,be aghast.
J
Joan Schnee
11 years ago
The desire to Disney-fy Chautatuqua is off point and off brand.
D
David K. O'Neil
11 years ago
Please save the Amp! Keep up the good work.
P
Patricia Canup
11 years ago
The Amphitheater is not just a building! For decades it has represented the very spirit of Chautauqua! When I sit in the Amphitheater, I feel a sense of connection to my past – to my many family members and dear friends who sat on the old wooden seats - worshiping, singing, learning and listening to the symphony orchestra and other concerts. I not only feel the presence of thousands who have been influenced greatly in that historical place, I become part of the past, present and future. I can see the old and young dancing to the music just behind the seats. I can see elderly men and women walking in protest past the stage during a program. I can see women knitting while listening to lectures. With tears in my eyes, I can hear the singing of “Day is Dying in the West” and “Now the Day is Over.” I can hear “Largo” being played by Jared Jacobsen on the Massey organ, which was built for the open-air Amphitheater. I can see the white hankies on Old First Night and the “Drooping of the Lillies.” I can see and hear the thousands of children over the years running down the aisles singing “Onward Girl’s Club, Onward Boy’s Club, Full of Life and Pep.” The Amphitheater is not just a building ! It is Chautauqua! If it is demolished, the essence of Chautauqua and its traditions will be demolished with it, never to be cherished in the same way again. Patricia Pickens Canup All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. ~Ellen Glasgow
N
nancy pae
11 years ago
It is quite clear that those in charge are hidden behind their in accurte and misleading statements. I have come since a child to enjoy the history and the programs. It appears that future generations will be provided and new and improved institution with the history and historic significance removed.
M
Mary Bailey
11 years ago
I am undecided on the issue of whether to replace or renovate the Amphitheater but I am signing this petition in response to recent letter sent out by Geof Follansbee. It seems that the decision to rebuild rather than renovate was predicated on the desire to "lower the bowl" to allow for more seating, all undercover, create an orchestra pit and increase storage. These priorities then necessitated replacing the roof which meant a complete demolition of the structure except for the Massey organ. What I want to know is, was a compromise discussed, i.e. to increase seating by simple rearrangement of benches, leave outdoor seating (some people like it), put storage elsewhere (perhaps in rebuild of back of amphitheater which seems wholly necessary)? Is the gain of 300 seats worth tearing down the whole structure? As for creating an orchestra pit, I don't see anyway around lowering bowl to do that. In addition, one of my personal concerns is that the narrowing of what I'll call the promenade on either side of the amp will not allow enough room for people to stand and watch the performance, or for people to stroll the perimeter inside the brick fence with the freedom and ease which is now possible without annoying the standing audience, or for the kids AND grown ups to dance when they are so moved. This promenade is a vital space where Chautauquans can reconnect with each other in the old fashioned way, sometimes with people who they haven’t seen in twenty, thirty or even fifty years!!! This promenade is the watering hole of Chautauqua! I would be interested in finding out how wide this space currently is, and what the proposed narrower width would be. If it is more than, say, four feet narrower than the current design, I feel that the vital nature of this public space would be lost. Is there anyplace where we can view more detailed plans? Or does anyone have the numbers on the change in width of this space?
R
Ruth Schreck
11 years ago
I am a 3rd generation Chahutauquan,and my mother was born on the grounds 100 years ago(lived to be 95)and I detest the idea of "replicating"what is a historic piece of the center of teh Institution.I do not understand why they raise $30,000,0000 to build a new structurre and then dare have teh audacity to suggest (As I have heard)that they will shorten the Symphony Season,as they already have done with teh operas.It simply does not makes sense to me that this is considered good business,and it will destroy what is left of a very Special Place that I loved.I will probably never go back.Ruth Schreck
Demolishing the Historic Ampitheater and replacing it with a replica undermines the fabric of our Chuataqua community. A great deal of pleasure is derived from sitting onin the very same structure and on the very same benches as family members, friends and notable historic figures from the generations that have gone before. Something very intangible and magical about the ampitheater will be lost if we tear down the hallowed structure lovingly reffered to as "The Amp."
The Amphitheater stands as a landmark where Chautauquans gather for church, cultural events, lectures, concerts, and fun (Air Band!). Our spirit, creativity, knowledge, and sense of joy grow from these experiences. We disburse to engage in our favorite activities like water skiing, playing softball at Sharpe Field, or taking kids and grandkids to the Children’s School playground. But we always return to “home base” and gather again at the Amp. It has a special magnetic effect of bringing us back for a reunion. Our gathering place restores our lives every time we visit. Let’s join together, never to demolish, but to preserve our beloved Amphitheater.
want to receive these emails pertaining to the amp
People go to Chautauqua and the Amp because it does not change.
I love the Institute and the Amphitheater. Please preserve this wonderful structure!!
[email protected]
Why am I not surprised that the Institution misled us? Could it be because there has been a long history of such behavior by those in power?
save tradition! You've got such à nice one with the Amp Be proud and save it!
Save the amp. This is unique and can't be replaced
I love the Amp, especially the bleachers
I am crushed by this news. I had the pleasure of spending my summers in Chautauqua as a young kid. I saw so many musicians on this stage that inspired me to play the music I play today. It's has been a goal of mine to someday play this stage for my family. I made this a goal for myself years ago and I carry this personal dream in my heart as motivation to measure my success. The music world is a frustrating and very challenging place at times. I refuse to lose track of my goal and will do whatever I can do to help this cause. Please let me know ANYTHING that I can do to change this sad news. I'm simply floored by this.
I am crushed by this news. I had the pleasure of spending my summers in Chautauqua as a young kid. I saw so many musicians on this stage that inspired me to play the music I play today. It's has been a goal of mine to someday play this stage for my family. I made this a goal for myself years ago and I carry this personal dream in my heart as motivation to measure my success. The music world is a frustrating and very challenging place at times. I refuse to lose track of my goal and will do whatever I can do to help this cause. Please let me know ANYTHING that I can do to change this sad news. I'm simply floored by this.
We are horrified that the structure with such historic significance would be demolished. Such a disappointment. We guess money talks but it sure doesn't honor history. Miller and Vincent would,be aghast.
The desire to Disney-fy Chautatuqua is off point and off brand.
Please save the Amp! Keep up the good work.
The Amphitheater is not just a building! For decades it has represented the very spirit of Chautauqua! When I sit in the Amphitheater, I feel a sense of connection to my past – to my many family members and dear friends who sat on the old wooden seats - worshiping, singing, learning and listening to the symphony orchestra and other concerts. I not only feel the presence of thousands who have been influenced greatly in that historical place, I become part of the past, present and future. I can see the old and young dancing to the music just behind the seats. I can see elderly men and women walking in protest past the stage during a program. I can see women knitting while listening to lectures. With tears in my eyes, I can hear the singing of “Day is Dying in the West” and “Now the Day is Over.” I can hear “Largo” being played by Jared Jacobsen on the Massey organ, which was built for the open-air Amphitheater. I can see the white hankies on Old First Night and the “Drooping of the Lillies.” I can see and hear the thousands of children over the years running down the aisles singing “Onward Girl’s Club, Onward Boy’s Club, Full of Life and Pep.” The Amphitheater is not just a building ! It is Chautauqua! If it is demolished, the essence of Chautauqua and its traditions will be demolished with it, never to be cherished in the same way again. Patricia Pickens Canup All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. ~Ellen Glasgow
It is quite clear that those in charge are hidden behind their in accurte and misleading statements. I have come since a child to enjoy the history and the programs. It appears that future generations will be provided and new and improved institution with the history and historic significance removed.
I am undecided on the issue of whether to replace or renovate the Amphitheater but I am signing this petition in response to recent letter sent out by Geof Follansbee. It seems that the decision to rebuild rather than renovate was predicated on the desire to "lower the bowl" to allow for more seating, all undercover, create an orchestra pit and increase storage. These priorities then necessitated replacing the roof which meant a complete demolition of the structure except for the Massey organ. What I want to know is, was a compromise discussed, i.e. to increase seating by simple rearrangement of benches, leave outdoor seating (some people like it), put storage elsewhere (perhaps in rebuild of back of amphitheater which seems wholly necessary)? Is the gain of 300 seats worth tearing down the whole structure? As for creating an orchestra pit, I don't see anyway around lowering bowl to do that. In addition, one of my personal concerns is that the narrowing of what I'll call the promenade on either side of the amp will not allow enough room for people to stand and watch the performance, or for people to stroll the perimeter inside the brick fence with the freedom and ease which is now possible without annoying the standing audience, or for the kids AND grown ups to dance when they are so moved. This promenade is a vital space where Chautauquans can reconnect with each other in the old fashioned way, sometimes with people who they haven’t seen in twenty, thirty or even fifty years!!! This promenade is the watering hole of Chautauqua! I would be interested in finding out how wide this space currently is, and what the proposed narrower width would be. If it is more than, say, four feet narrower than the current design, I feel that the vital nature of this public space would be lost. Is there anyplace where we can view more detailed plans? Or does anyone have the numbers on the change in width of this space?
I am a 3rd generation Chahutauquan,and my mother was born on the grounds 100 years ago(lived to be 95)and I detest the idea of "replicating"what is a historic piece of the center of teh Institution.I do not understand why they raise $30,000,0000 to build a new structurre and then dare have teh audacity to suggest (As I have heard)that they will shorten the Symphony Season,as they already have done with teh operas.It simply does not makes sense to me that this is considered good business,and it will destroy what is left of a very Special Place that I loved.I will probably never go back.Ruth Schreck
Preserve History.