Where the Streets Have Names: 'Gerard Schwarz Place' Unveiled
No fanfare was spared at yesterday's unveiling of "Gerard Schwarz Place," the symbolically renamed stretch of University Ave between 2nd and 3rd in Seattle's downtown core.
The block in question is adjacent to Benaroya Hall, the home of the Seattle Symphony and host to various fancy things in town. And now, it is graced by a brown street sign recognizing the impact of Gerard Schwartz, the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall in downtown revitalization, culture and music in the Emerald City.
Maestro Schwarz is leaving the Symphony after conducting at its helm for 26 years. He was instrumental in securing the support and funding for the completion of Benaroya Hall. He will be suceeded by 36 year-old French import Ludovic Morlot.
The ceremony boasted the typical pomp, circumstance and yakity-yak that goes along with celebrating an outgoing leader, with many nice comments by former Seattle City Council member Jan Drago, sitting Seattle City Council Member Tom Rasmussen and appearances by members of the Benaroya family. We learned that Benaroya Hall helps fight drugs and gangs (a mental image which bring much delight), that having more money than God means you age incredibly well (seriously), and that the Maestro has a lot of love for brass music. Parting words by Mr. Schwarz included "We love you. We love you all. It's been wonderful to help build the dream."
Kudos, Maestro. Best of luck in your future endeavors. And here's hoping your name above the streets of Seattle continues to fight drugs and gangs, and that the music you've brought to Seattle resonates for many years to come. And a warm Seattle welcome to Mr. Morlot, we have lots of high hopes that your new-guard approach to classical music will reinvigorate the institution and continue the trend of recognizing groundbreaking new talent in the discipline.
