Eastman Theatre, built by George Eastman in 1922, features several stages, the largest of which is the 2,326-seat Kodak Hall, the principal concert hall for the world-renowned Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO). A stunning 20,000-piece crystal chandelier hangs above the auditorium. The Eastman School of Music offers over 700 student recitals and faculty shows each year in the 222-seat Hatch Recital Hall and 444-seat Kilbourn Hall, many of which are free to attend. The school provides concerts via live stream at esm.rochester.edu/live, making it easy to enjoy the music from the comfort of your home. But the pleasure of attending a live performance at Eastman Theatre includes admiring intricate architectural details and the fantastic 19-foot-long glass chandelier created by world-renowned sculptor Dale Chihuly that hangs above the stairway in Wolk Atrium.
The theater is also home to Gateways Music Festival, held every other year, and is the premier venue for the annual Rochester International Jazz Festival in June and Rochester Fringe Festival in September. Eastman Theatre invites people from all over the world to enjoy music year-round.
Fun Facts About Eastman Theatre
In 1922, the theater included the largest theater organ in the nation at the time and the latest in electrical technology and mechanical engineering, with the world’s largest marquee stretching 367 feet. source
Painter Maxfield Parrish provided his original masterpiece Interlude (relocated to the University of Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery). A replica is on display in Eastman Theatre. source
Kodak Hall features a majestic chandelier containing 20,000 individual pieces of crystal from Italy and the Czech Republic. source
A glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly hangs in Wolk Atrium, located between Kodak Hall in Eastman Theatre and Hatch Recital Hall.
The three main stages at Eastman Theatre
Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
Housing 2,326 seats, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre is the principal concert hall for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the Eastman School of Music’s larger ensembles and annual fully staged Eastman Opera Theatre productions. View events.
Kilbourn Hall
Three stories high and decorated in the Venetian Renaissance style, the 444-seat hall is renowned for its remarkable beauty, pure acoustics, and excellent sight lines. Many consider it one of the finest chamber music halls in the world.
Hatch Recital Hall
With 222 seats, Hatch Hall is ideal for solo instrumental, chamber, and vocal music. In addition to its elegant appearance and outstanding acoustics, the hall boasts state-of-the-art acoustical and multimedia technology.
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
When you think of the Nutcracker, Gala Holiday Pops, and classical music, you think of the RPO. But Ghostbusters? Final Fantasy? Harry Potter? Star Wars? That’s the RPO as well! In addition, there are special guests that perform with the RPO.
View the schedule of RPO Events (including free community events)
Listen to re-broadcasts of the current season on Classic 91.5
Eastman School of Music
The School presents more than 700 performances and showcases recitals each year. Most of these events are free and open to the public, though some are ticketed. Eastman School of Music also provides concerts via live stream, perfect for those cold winter nights!
View schedule of Eastman School of Music live-stream events and all other events
Eastman School of Music on YouTube
I love to listen to music and in listening I’ve come to think of it as a necessary part of life. There are no drawbacks to music, you can’t have too much of it.
George Eastman
Explore Eastman Theatre’s Extraordinary Detail
More information about Eastman Theatre
Find events, seating charts, parking details, box office information, and more on eastmantheatre.org.
Explore More
The George Eastman Museum is a beautiful tribute to his life & legacy, and is the world’s oldest photography museum with one of the oldest film archives.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.
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Most 2024 CGI Rochester International Jazz Fest performances begin in the early-evening leaving your days free to explore the Rochester area.
What do you enjoy most about Eastman Theatre?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
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