December 21 2011 by USANA Health Sciences
World-renowned cellist and Dr. Wentz finally meet at the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center
An evening of near perfection happened recently as
Yo-Yo Ma played on stage at The Wentz, to a sold out crowd, at North Central College. The wish to have the brilliance of Yo-Yo Ma’s musicianship grace The Wentz began as the hall was being built and was finally made a reality on this night. And Dr. Wentz was there to experience the beauty of Yo-Yo Ma’s performance as it was enhanced by the unsurpassed acoustics of the hall that bears his name.
The man whose company designed the acoustics, Rick Talaske, had a goal to match the acoustics of Carnegie Hall. Dr. Wentz feels the finished product has surpassed that goal. The acoustics were developed to enhance all types of musical performance, and support the clarity and beauty of each one — whether it’s Yo-Yo Ma alone on the stage or the entire Chicago Symphony Orchestra (which has performed at The Wentz twice and may do some recording there because of its acoustical superiority over Chicago’s Orchestra Hall).
Yo-Yo Ma’s comment during his performance was, “I love this hall.”
His appreciation continued after his performance as he met Dr. Wentz back stage, expressing surprise and pleasure at having the opportunity to meet him in person.
Dr. Wentz’s delight in supporting his alma mater and helping create a concert hall where music can be heard in its purist form was made even greater on this special night.
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| Yo-Yo Ma performs at the Wentz Concert Hall earlier this year. He played three Bach pieces during the program and treated the audience to Mark O’Connor’s “Appalachian Waltz” for solo cello as an encore. |
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| Yo-Yo Ma talks with Dr. Wentz and other members of the audience following his performance. Ma’s performance was part of North Central College’s yearlong sesquicentennial celebration. |
