NEW YORK, May 3, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Buckingham Hotel, the NYC hotel preferred by performing artists and musicians for nearly three-quarters of a century, is hosting an event on May 9, 2002, to unveil its unique integration of music, art and architecture, according to Stephen Shapiro, Managing Partner of the family-owned, all-suites property.
Under Shapiro's guidance, the Buckingham Hotel has integrated the hotel's music and performing art history created by its many famous past and current guests into the architectural design of the hotel itself, giving the hotel distinctive charm and a literal sense of harmony.
The May 9 event celebrates the unveiling of both the dramatic new 80 square foot stained glass entitled "Dancer," created by NYC artist Jose Ortega, installed over the restored lobby entrance at 101 W. 57th Street; and unique musically themed artwork crafted from instruments themselves, commissioned from the NY Studio School and showcased in permanent, recessed displays in the lobby walls. The musical theme of the artwork is enhanced by its rhythmic and undulating placement, which invites arriving guests to explore the reception area.
"The performing arts have always played -- and continue to play -- a vital role at the Buckingham," Shapiro explains. "The Buckingham has always been a top location for artists performing at Carnegie Hall, the Met and other venues, and performers from Paderewski to Gato Barbieri have stayed here. We are obviously also the best location from which to attend those very performances. In fact, part of the excitement of staying at the Buckingham is that you never know what performing artist you will meet the next time you're in the lobby, the elevator or our fitness center," Shapiro notes.
"Last week I personally had the pleasure of introducing one of the world's greatest sopranos to a young opera singer the NY Times just called the 'great counter-tenor.' I had goose bumps watching the encounter! So we have our own answer to the old question, 'How do you get to Carnegie Hall?': 'Stay here at the Buckingham and just cross the street,'" Shapiro explains.
Shapiro communicated his concept of building on the Hotel's history of performing art by creating an artistic oasis in the midst of bustling NYC to architect, Paul Taylor. Taylor's creation commenced at the Buckingham's front door with an updated classic entrance integrated with the contemporary stained glasswork to set the tone for guests' arrivals.
Taylor attained the goal through a classical approach. "In classic architecture, the artists, sculptors, and craftsmen worked as a unified team under the direction of the architect so the artwork was an integral part of the architecture," Taylor explains. "In modern buildings, the architect rarely meets those who choose the art, which is placed only after the building is completed. This project used the classical approach and brought the artists and the architects together to create a unique and harmonious environment for the guests."
The Buckingham commissioned four artists from the New York Studio School under the direction of both Taylor and Studio School Dean Graham Nickson, to design the musically themed work and to interface with Taylor on what Shapiro calls, "our Art and Architecture Project." Nickson himself is a prominent artist whose work is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum.
"We are pleased that both the architect, the Dean and the artists will join us at this event," Shapiro notes. The Studio School's Board includes Nancy Whitney and noted art critic Hilton Kramer, both of whom are expected to attend the May 9 event.
Under Shapiro, the Hotel has moved into the 21st century with innovation while carrying forward the family's tradition of attention to every aspect of each guest's experience.
Shapiro lives in the Hotel as a managerial tool. "My grandfather used to say he 'lived over the store.' There is enormous wisdom in that concept if you are committed to delivering quality service in a place your guests can consider 'home,'" Shapiro concludes.
See also: www.Buckinghamhotel.com