Raised to its highest position, the organ sustained damage but can be saved. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which struck New Orleans on August 29, 2005, the building's basement flooded, and furnishings, plaster, and tapestries require replacement. From 1980 until 2005, the Saenger hosted touring companies of Broadway shows, performances of various kinds, and private events. In 1977 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and in the same year a new owner purchased the building for $1,000,000 and launched a $3,000,000 renovation. At the same time, many of the theatre's elaborate chandeliers and statues were sold, but the original organ-the largest ever built by the Robert Moton Company and the prototype for its 'Wonder Organ' line-remained.īy 1970 the Saenger had fallen into disrepair. When it opened, the Saenger seated an audience of four thousand, but changes during the years-notably the addition in 1964 of a 'piggyback' or upstairs theatre, the Saenger Orleans, reduced seating. The Saenger was what historians now call an 'atmospheric' theatre: strategically placed lights combined with special effects machines that projected images of clouds, sunrises, and sunsets to create the illusion that theatre-goers were looking up into the sky. Designed by Emile Weil for both silent movies and stage presentations and later the home of Paramount talking pictures, its sumptuous interior recalled the appearance of a Baroque courtyard.

Long Library, University of New OrleansĪfter three years of construction at a cost of $2,500,000, the Saenger Theatre was dedicated on February 4, 1927. Long Library, University of New Orleans.Ĭitation: René Louapre / Saenger Theatre Collection of Sheet Music, Earl K.

In most instances, complete orchestrations are present.Ĭopyright: Physical rights are retained by the Earl K. Summary: Music from the Saenger Theatre, performed by René Louapre and his orchestra.

Vin chero puccini opera song