Stevenson Hall is a tremendous asset to the Festival.  The building historically housed Festival musicians during our summer season.  However, when the Sheldon Jackson College closed, we were forced to find other accommodations.  Now, thanks to the generosity of a Festival board member, who purchased the building and is leasing it to the Festival, we have been able to move-in full time.  Our Sitka offices are now located on-site and we are able to house staff and artists there during concert seasons. 

Our goal for Stevenson Hall is to transform it into Alaska’s year-round Center for classical music education and innovation.  When not housing Festival staff and artists during concert seasons, Stevenson will provide retreat space and serve as a residency program for classical music ensembles from around the world.  Month-long residencies will be underwritten by Festival supporters, giving resident groups an opportunity to work on their own material, while performing for the community and working with local youth and musicians. 

To make this dream a reality, however, we need to raise funds to accomplish two things:  purchase the building and renovate it.  We think owning the property outright would best serve the organization’s mission.  And although beautiful, the 100 year-old building has suffered from years of deferred maintenance and neglect.  A lot of work needs to be done to turn it into the residential and performance space we envision. As soon as we know the renovation costs associated with this project, I will help launch our capital campaign to purchase and rehabilitate the building.