Zoellner Arts Center Spring 2023 Brochure

ZOELLNER ARTS

CENTER

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY

SPRING 2023

25TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

STUDENTS

DEAR FRIENDS, TICKETS

As Zoellner Arts Center looks to celebrate its past 25 years and envisions the next 25, we want to pause and thank you, our supporters. Each of you helped move us forward during uncertain times. We received your encouragement and generous gifts, and you notably returned to our beautiful arts center.

There are now many opportunities to find joy at Zoellner: watch as a thousand public school children visit with awe and wonder; listen as choral and music ensembles' notes soar in Baker Hall; smile as theatre students busily hone their craft in the Fowler Black Box and Diamond Theater; admire hundreds of students from across campus rehearsing for Dancefest in Butz Lobby; appreciate new perspectives at a LUAG exhibit; and share in the exuberance of Presenting Series performances by world-class artists such as Michael Feinstein, Postmodern Jukebox, and the New York Philharmonic — who graced our stage this past fall.

This spring offers several multi-disciplinary cultural programs. Third Coast Percussion and Flutronix present their contemporary new composition Rubix. The talented guzheng artist Wu Fei joins us for a residency and performs Hello Gold Mountain accompanied by students in Lehigh University's Philharmonic and Choir under the direction of Professor Paul Salerni. Easton native and Academy Award winner Roger Ross Williams' film, Traveling While Black, is the centerpiece of a free virtual reality experience lobby installation.

Our 25th milestone also celebrates the legacy of individuals and families whose vision and generosity helped establish Zoellner (see page 11). In the early 1990s, they embraced university leadership's vision to bring arts to the forefront of our community with a 'dramatic new facility destined to become a major landmark.' Years later, Tony Bennett said this right after he sang Fly Me to the Moon a cappella in Baker Hall, "Listen to that, they don't build them like this anymore. It's really beautiful. The acoustics in here are amazing." We agree, Mr. Bennett.

Be sure to save April 15, 2023, for the return of our spectacular Gala with The Philadelphia Orchestra and special guest conductor Keith Lockhart, featuring Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, and a free outdoor performance by vertical dance innovators Bandaloop.

How grateful and excited I am to be the Executive Director of Zoellner Arts Center at this moment in time. We celebrate the impact we've had over the last 25 years and look forward to the next 25 of engaging and connecting with you in and beyond our building.

Mark Fitzgerald Wilson Executive Director

By Kirk Marsh Photography

Cover Photo: Cirque Mechanics

Leadership Funding: Victoria E. and Robert E.* Zoellner ’54

PROGRAM SUPPORT

MEDIA PARTNERS

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Curtain Warmers: The Arnan and Marlene Finkelstein Endowment Fund

Preludes: Youngs Advisory Group

School Shows: Richard H. Johnson '73G

Music Initiatives: Supported in part by the Klees Family Instrumental Ensemble Endowed Fund

Creative Campus Initiative: Supported in part by the Anne R. Kline '81 Endowed Fund for Creatively Integrated Programming

Notations: Lehigh University Creative Writing Program and Zoellner Arts Center

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Zoellner Arts Center receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a

*Deceased

THE LONG FAMILY ENDOWMENT FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN THE ARTS

BRENDA & JOHN MCGLADE ’76 ’81G

state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

ENID M. & MICHAEL J. SEIDEN ’63 ’64

QUÉBEC GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN NY

MARC A. FALATO ’87

W. BEALL FOWLER ’59

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 – SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2023

Zoellner Arts Center | Butz Lobby

Traveling While Black is presented as an artistic installation that recreates the setting of Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C.

• Attendees receive a replica copy of The Green Book, a travel guide established in the 1930s published exclusively for Black motorists in need of ‘friendly’ establishments across the United States. Subject to availability.

A Virtual Reality Experience

Traveling While Black is a film by Academy Award winner Roger Ross Williams and Emmy Award-winning Felix & Paul Studios that transports viewers to historic Ben's Chili Bowl diner in Washington, D.C. Viewers share an intimate series of moments with several of Ben’s patrons as they reflect on their experiences of restricted movement and race relations in the United States. Confronting the way we understand and talk about race in America, Traveling While Black highlights the urgent need to not only remember the past but to learn from it, and to facilitate a dialogue about the challenges minority travelers still face today.

FREE Opening Night Reception (6:30pm) & Panel (7pm) | FRI JAN 27 , co-founder of Felix & Paul Studios, the organization that produced the installation

Dr. Donald Outing (Lehigh University), (Shiloh Baptist Church), Jaciel Cordoba (69 News Anchor).

Admission Information

Online registration required for timeslot

Pay-if-you-wish: FREE, $5, $10 per person

PRESENTING SERIES PRESENTING SERIES

JANUARY

LIGHTWIRE THEATER

THE ADVENTURES OF TORTOISE AND HARE: THE NEXT GENERATION

Fanciful lights adorn characters in Aesop’s classic fable, but there’s a contemporary twist: the story hops 10 years down the road, where Tortoise and Hare have children of their own who explore modern day distractions like smart phones and video games. Their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old Man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children.

Price $12 | Child $10

GENERAL ADMISSION

WU FEI HELLO GOLD MOUNTAIN

Wu Fei is a renowned master of the guzheng, the 21-string Chinese zither, an instrument dating back 2,500 years. This original composition is performed by members of the Lehigh University Philharmonic conducted by Professor Paul Salerni, featuring Wu Fei on guzheng and Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz on oud — the traditional Chinese and Jewish plucked string instruments. The work is inspired by real stories of Jewish refugees who fled to Shanghai from Europe before and during World War II, and built lives in China.

Price $25

RESERVED SEATING

FEBRUARY

PADDINGTON GETS IN A JAM

11:00am

In this original slapstick comedy, the loveable Paddington goes next door to borrow a cup of sugar from his neighbor Mr. Curry, who is in a panic because he’s expecting a visit from his Great Aunt Matilda. Paddington volunteers to help Mr. Curry with his to-do list before her imminent arrival. Throughout the afternoon, Paddington attempts items on the list—repair the pipes in the bathroom, vacuum the floors, install new wallpaper, bake a cake—but in typical Paddington fashion nothing goes to plan!

Price $22 | Child $18

THIRD COAST PERCUSSION + FLUTRONIX

RUBIX

7:30pm

Two ensembles who redefine classical music for the 21st-century join forces for an exceptional double-bill performance. Flutronix, critically acclaimed flutists and composers known for a unique blend of classical music, hiphop and electronica, and the GRAMMY® Award-winning Third Coast Percussion, perform a collaboratively composed new work inspired by musical games that tie the sound worlds of the two ensembles together.

Price $25

MARCH

NOTATIONS

IMANI PERRY WED maR 8 | 4:30pm

Notations are FREE events; No tickets required.

FRI MAR 3 7:30pm

CIRQUE MECHANICS

ZEPHYR – A WHIRLWIND OF CIRCUS

Witness Cirque Mechanics' unique interpretation of the unrelenting tug of war between man and nature in the name of progress. Humans have been harnessing the power of the wind for thousands of years. The beauty and efficacy of that timeless and ingenious process inspired the creative team to create Zephyr. This theatrical circus show harnesses human power instead of wind to generate an energetic, acrobatic experience.

Price $28 | Child $23

GENERAL ADMISSION

Perry is a scholar of law, literary and cultural studies, and an author of creative nonfiction. She earned her Ph.D. in American Studies from Harvard University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an L.L.M. from Georgetown University Law Center, and a B.A. from Yale College in Literature and American Studies. Her writing and scholarship primarily focus on the history of Black thought, art, and imagination crafted in response to, and resistance against, the social, political, and legal realities of domination in the West. She seeks to understand the retrenchment processes after moments of social progress and how freedom dreams are sustainable nevertheless.

Location: Williams Hall Roemmele Global Commons

Presented by: Lehigh University's Creative Writing Program, Zoellner Arts Center and an Anonymous Donor

With Support From: Lehigh University Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Africana Studies

"Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities."

MARCH

CANADIAN BRASS IN PACKER MEMORIAL CHURCH

7:30pm

Masters of concert presentations, the game-changing Canadian Brass has performed in virtually every major concert hall in the world. Renowned for genre-bending versatility and joyous performances, the award-winning Brass is almost single-handedly responsible for elevating the art of the brass quintet to what it is today: entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity, and most of all, fun — but never at the expense of the music.

Price $40 FREE SHUTTLE from parking garage

GENERAL ADMISSION

FRI MAR 31

7:30pm

PASSION FRUIT DANCE COMPANY

DANCE WITHIN YOUR DANCE

This street/club dance and educational company is composed of Tatiana Desardouin (Haitian-Swiss founder, artistic director, choreographer), Lauriane Ogay (Swiss) and Mai Lê Hô (French-Vietnamese). Its mission is to promote the authenticity of street dance and clubbing styles, Hip-Hop and house cultures, their black heritage, and their contribution to society by exploring different social problems through their dance pieces and artistic practices. Desardouin is one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” and a winner of the Vilcek Foundation’s Prize for Creative Promise in Dance. The company is currently the 92Y’s artist-in-residence.

Price $25

GENERAL ADMISSION

“Passion Fruit vividly push hip-hop’s inherent capacity to articulate important ideas in a powerful and joyous ensemble work.”

(Crossing the Lines Festival)

Zoellner Arts Center Cornerstone Events

celebrate the legacy of individuals and families whose vision and generosity helped establish a center for the arts at Lehigh University.

BAKER FAMILY

The late Dorothy and Dexter Baker ’50 ’57G ’81H were passionate about the arts and were passionate about bringing the performing arts to Lehigh. Dexter co-chaired the $33 million capital campaign for the Zoellner Arts Center in the 1990s and made a generous contribution to name Baker Hall.

ULRICH FAMILY

Ronald J. Ulrich ’66 ’98P ’99P ’05H and his wife, Christie ’98P ’99P, are longtime benefactors of the performing arts at Lehigh and Zoellner Arts Center, especially the Music Department.

DIAMOND FAMILY

Claire and Ted* Diamond ’37 ’85H established the Claire and Theodore Diamond Theater Endowment Fund, creating the Diamond Theater, with its distinctive stage and seating, in Zoellner Arts Center.

ZOELLNER FAMILY

Victoria ’15GP and Robert* Zoellner ’54, longtime benefactors of Lehigh, deepened their commitment to the university in the early 1990s with the leadership gift that established Zoellner Arts Center.

FOWLER FAMILY

W. Beall Fowler ’59 and his late wife, Marlene “Linny” Fowler, provided the versatile Black Box Theatre in Zoellner Arts Center and he continues to support the center’s community and outreach programs.

New York Philharmonic

Michael Feinstein

Postmodern Jukebox

Mustard and Cheese Drama Society

The Philadelphia Orchestra with Keith Lockhart featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell

An evening with The Philadelphia Orchestra

Guest Conductor Keith Lockhart

CONCERT | 8:00pm

Includes dessert reception $75 per person

GALA EVENING | 4:30pm

Cocktail reception, dinner and concert with preferred seating, dessert reception. $500 per person*

Opening Performers:

Vertical Dance Bandaloop Pop Artist Zia Victoria

Gala2023 celebrates our 25th Anniversary.

In September 1997, Zoellner Arts Center officially opened its doors to the community with a festive celebration of the arts. Since then, the center has infused the arts into the life of Lehigh University and the greater Lehigh Valley welcoming over 55,000 visitors each year.

to alum.lu/gala23

Featuring Broadway Star Brian Stokes Mitchell

Funds raised at Gala2023 support the arts at Lehigh University and Zoellner Arts Center’s presentations of world-class artists, community service initiatives and educational programs. Your support is the key ingredient in creating an arts rich community. *Tax-deductible information is available online. To purchase gala evening tickets online go

Performance in Honor of the Zoellner Family Legacy

PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL

A musical theatre treat tells the tale of a girl who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with 'pinkititis', an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe–a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. Alas, Pinkalicious needs a way out of her pink predicament, and joined by her family they find fun, unity and appreciation in the quirks that define us all.

Price $12 | Child $10

GENERAL ADMISSION

NEIL BERG’S 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY

7:30pm

100 Years of Broadway recreates the greatest moments from the finest shows of the century featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, CATS, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Jekyll & Hyde. These amazing performers light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from Broadway’s newest hit shows.

Price $45/35

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY MUSIC DEPARTMENT

FEBRUARY

SaT 4

8:00pm

SUN 26

4:00pm

JAZZ FACULTY CONCERT

The Jazz faculty present their annual tribute to America’s greatest Jazz and Pop composers. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $15

THE PRINCETON SINGERS DE PROFUNDIS

The tenors and basses of The Princeton Singers explore the richness of music for men's choir. Works from the Renaissance to today. Steven Sametz, artistic director.

Price $18

MAR SaT 4

8:00pm

NEW YORK JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

The orchestra performs with a special guest artist to be announced. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $15

FRI 24 SaT 25

CHOIR, GLEE CLUB AND DOLCE ON THE ROAD

8:00pm

Join us for the debut concert of Lehigh Choral Arts' touring program. Music from the Renaissance to Barbershop. Steven Sametz and Sun Min Lee, directors.

Price: $15

8:00pm

SUN

maR 26

3:00pm

FACULTY RECITAL THE WAR WITHIN REVISITED

With almost 10 years of teaching and performing at Lehigh University, violinist Michael Jorgensen celebrates by revisiting his first Lehigh recital program featuring the stormy Schumann a minor Violin Sonata, the tragic Janáček Violin Sonata, Elgar’s pastoral Violin Sonata, and Bacewicz's Oberek No. 2 with pianist Steve Beck.

Price $15

APRIL

SUN 2 3:00pm

JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

Lehigh faculty and students team up to provide a program of high-powered modern Big Band Jazz pieces. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $15

SaT 22

8:00pm

SUN 23 3:00pm

STUDENT JAZZ ENSEMBLES

Lehigh University's student Jazz combos and Big Bands present a spring concert of some of the old and some of the new. Bill Warfield, director.

Price $12

SYMPHONIC BAND

Spring is the time for renewal, and audiences will welcome its return with this concert by the Symphonic Band. Enjoy the group’s spring offering of marches, show tunes and much more. FREE

PHILHARMONIC SPRING CONCERTO MARATHON

The Lehigh Philharmonic's annual Concerto Marathon features student soloists performing concerto movements, as well as Rossini's William Tell Overture and Ginaster's Estancia

Price $12 MAY

CHORAL ARTS A SACRED GARDEN

Join Lehigh Choral Arts and orchestra for Leonard Bernstein's beloved chorus from "Candide," his Chichester Psalms, Maurice Duruflés sublime Requiem, and the premiere of Steven Sametz's Musicians' Prayer. Steven Sametz and Sun Min Lee, directors.

Price $18

SUN 7 3:00pm

WIND ENSEMBLE CLASSICS FOR WINDS

Enjoy a delightful spring concert featuring beloved music for select woodwinds, brass and percussion.

Price $15

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE

SILENT SKY

BY LAUREN GUNDERSEN

FEB 24, 25 maR 1* – 4 | 7:30pm • FEB 26 | 2pm

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories.

The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both heavens and Earth.

Daniel Brody '22, director.

Price $12

BROWN FACE

BY CARISSA ATALLAH

apR 14, 15 apR 19* – 22 | 7:30pm • apR 16 | 2pm

Gracia is a Chicana writer and DREAMer. In order to draw attention to her work but not her undocumented status, Gracia convinces her white and US-born best friend Mariza to perform her poetry. When Gracia’s words launch Mariza into gaining a following as a Latinx artist and activist, their friendship is tested by issues of privilege and cultural appropriation. Part play, part poetry slam, Brown Face follows a group of college students as they navigate their identities in the competitive world of spoken word poetry.

Kashi Johnson, director.

Price $12

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE EVENTS ARE GENERAL ADMISSION

*The Dept. of Theatre is offering Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesdays. Contact Ticket Services for details.

Mustard & Cheese Drama Society presents

THE LIGHTNING THIEF

THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL

Book by Joe Tracz

Music & Lyrics by Rob

Rokicki

Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick

Riordan

SaT maR 25 | 7:30pm

Fowler Black Box Theatre FREE; No tickets required

The Greek gods are real, and they’re ruining Percy Jackson’s life. As a son of Poseidon, Percy has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and he is on an epic quest to find Zeus’s lightning bolt and prevent a war between the gods. This rock musical is “mesmerizing” and proves “lightning can strike twice!”

Other performance dates:

Performance in Honor of the Fowler Family Legacy

BANDALOOP

LOOM:FIELD

Artistic Director: Melecio Estrella

THU apR 13 | 11:00am & 12:30pm

FREE OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE - Public Welcome

Location: Lehigh University Fairchild-Martindale Library | 8A Packer Ave.

BANDALOOP honors nature, community, and the human spirit through perspective-bending dance. An innovator in vertical performance, BANDALOOP seamlessly weaves dynamic physicality, intricate choreography and climbing technology to turn the dance floor on its side.

As a dance form that relies on state-of-the-science woven nylon climbing ropes, LOOM:FIELD locates BANDALOOP’s core technical framework in a textile lineage. As one of the largest polluting industries in the world, fraught with devastating globalized labor and farming practices, the impact of clothing and fashion is often overlooked in our modern consumer lifestyles. The fallout of our textile consumption will be dealt with for generations to come.

LOOM:FIELD juxtaposes this large-scale ecological crisis with the timeless cross cultural power of fabric to hold, comfort, adorn and sanctify the human experience.

Photo by Basil Tsimoyianis

The presentation of BANDALOOP Loom:Field was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Library & Technology Services

GET YOUR TICKETS SEATING CHARTS

CONTACT US

IN PERSON ONLINE

Zoellner Arts Center

Ticket Services

420 East Packer Ave.

Bethlehem, PA 18015

GET STUDENTS

TICKETS

www.zoellnerartscenter.org

email: inzactix@lehigh.edu

PHONE

610-758-2787 ext: 0

Box Office Hours: TUE 12-6pm, WED-FRI 12-5pm

For ticketed events: SAT 2 hours prior to curtain, 90 mins. all other days. Check online for winter break hours (Dec – Jan).

Senior, student,

group,

Lehigh

University

Faculty/Staff and LVAIC discounts available.

*PARKING IS FREE in the garage attached to the center for all Presenting Series, Lehigh University Music Dept. and Dept. of Theatre events (excluding some weekday morning events and Christmas Vespers in Packer Chapel). Please note, there may be a parking charge for non-Zoellner sponsored events.

All programs and artists are subject to change. In the event of a cancellation or material change, we will make every effort to contact all ticket holders. We must reserve the right to make any changes whatsoever in the event owing to any unforeseen or unavoidable cause or to cancel the event for any reason beyond our control without being liable to pay any ticket holder compensation for damages other than a ticket of comparable value to an event (based on availability).

Prices separated by slashes indicate seating area locations differentiated by color. Please note, not all sections are available for all performances.

Zoellner is a fully accessible facility. Free assistive listening devices available. Check online for details.

Baker Hall: All seats except ADA seating and those in row S are accessed by steps. Diamond Theater: All seats except ADA seating are accessed by steps.

MAKE AN IMPACT ZOELLNER ARTS CENTER

PLEASE DONATE • BECOME A FRIEND

Your charitable tax-deductible receipt will be calculated in accordance with guidelines supporting the benefits received for your donation.

Order

PLEASE note, all seats besides ADA seating (and row S in Baker Hall) are accessed by using stairs. Refer to page 21 for seating charts.

for best seats Listed prices reflect the subscription discount and include the City of Bethlehem Amusement tax. | Programs Subject to Change.

YOU HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE ARTS

Great Performances

Support our mission to present high-quality multi-disciplinary programs. Tickets cover less than 50% of costs for the Presenting Series.

Community Education & Outreach

Underwrite tickets, programming and transportation for hundreds of students who benefit from our school show matinees, workshops and school partnerships.

Accessible Arts

Impact, inspire, educate and encourage children of all abilities to experience the arts through our STEAM-based programs, social emotional learning and artist residencies.

The Creative Campus Initiative

Help us connect the sciences, business, engineering and the humanities through transformative works of art.

RENT OUR SPACE

Hold your special occasion at Zoellner!

Perfect for receptions, recitals, parties, ceremonies and more! Contact our rental manager: 610-758-5387 or inrental@lehigh.edu

GIVE THE GIFT OF ENTERTAINMENT

Our gift certificates never expire. Purchase these at Ticket Services or online in any amount. Certificates cannot be redeemed for "Additional Events."

Do you need a venue for your event?

We've hosted hundreds! Contact our rental manager for details 610-758-5387.

Photo Credits: Brooke Anderson, Amanda Bellucci, Beata Bernina, Jeremy Daniels, Linda Ganus, ICM Partners, Chris Kendig, John Kish IV, Shervin Lainez, Chris Lee, Lehigh University, LU Dept. of Theatre, LU Music Dept., Zach Mahone, Blair McGhee, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Christa Neu, Kirk Marsh Photography, Carol Rosegg, George Simian, Winslow Townson, Saverio Truglia, Basil Tsimoyianis, Westminster Choir College, Ron Yoshida

ABOUT US

Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University | Celebrating 25 Years

Over 25 years ago, Lehigh University had a vision to design a vibrant arts environment where students, artists, faculty and community could create and learn. It wanted to educate, captivate and inspire performers and patrons by presenting a variety of outstanding performing arts events, exhibits and educational programs, and developing new works. In 1997, this vision manifested in Zoellner Arts Center—home to the Presenting Series, Lehigh University Music Department, the Department of Theatre, and the Art Galleries—a place for creativity and innovation; for exploring all corners of artistic disciplines; and for opening up minds to new ideas and new ways of seeing the world.

In a recent year, the center held 240 events, including over 350 artists from 10 countries, and more than 50 campus and community events, lectures, business meetings, convocations, recitals, concerts, conventions and more. In total, the center provided arts engagement and communal space to over 55,000 people in attendance from 12 states and to over 3,000 local school children. Additionally, we created partnerships with 35 community organizations in the arts, sciences, health and literacy.

As we step forward, Zoellner Arts Center will continue building organizational partnerships like those achieved as the lead organization for the Kennedy Center’s Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child program in Bethlehem. We will further expand into the community by focusing on K-12 education to deliver arts enrichment programs, cultural programs, social-emotional learning programming, and artist-in-residencies specifically tied to school curriculum.

Zoellner Arts Center strives to go beyond our four walls and challenge people to think while encouraging them to see the world through a different lens to connect and understand our community. We seek to be a leader in the arts and culture scene in the Lehigh Valley by being bold, forward-thinking, innovative, and by bringing our diverse community together through shared experiences. We are dedicated to presenting arts for all through being inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible.

CONNECTING TO OUR COMMUNITY

Our Mission

The mission of Zoellner Arts Center is to infuse the arts into the life of Lehigh University and the greater Lehigh Valley community by presenting high-quality multi-disciplinary programs, by fostering life-long patronage of the arts, and by integrating our educational resources to enhance our human experience.

The Numbers

Over 55,000 patrons come to Zoellner Arts Center each year

Over 7,000 students attend Lehigh University

Over 100,000 children of all ages have visited the center since 1997

Over 85 community organizations have benefited from ticket donations

Where Community Gathers

The arts center is proud to host events for many Lehigh Valley organizations including:

Pennsylvania Youth Ballet

Touchstone Theatre Young Playwrights’ Festival

The Bach Choir Concerts

Ben Franklin TechVentures I-xchange

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit

Art has the power to change lives and engage our community

Our doors are open to all in the community. Your support is the key ingredient in creating an arts rich community for all residents. By engaging with the center you help us enrich the lives of people across the Lehigh Valley. Together, we can make the arts accessible to areas in our community where geographic location and economics pose barriers. An arts rich community is able to mold creative critical thinkers to lead us into the future. Thank you.