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Irvine: Cultural Programs
University Extension
Irvine, in cooperation with University Extension,
began well in advance of formal opening of the campus to present
a variety of cultural programs. By 1963, Orange County was the site
of the third largest University Extension program, enrolling approximately
3,000 persons each semester in classes and an equal additional number
in lecture series and special cultural events. While at that time
the program was administered from Los Angeles, Irvine sponsored
three chancellor's series: '"The Arts Today," "Five Evenings of
Music," and "The Urban Explosion."
Arthur J. Marder, professor
of history, became the first Irvine faculty member to present a
public lecture series. From October, 1964, through January, 1965,
he gave eight lectures on "The Western Tradition" to a capacity
invitational audience in an auditorium near the unfinished campus.
With the opening of the
campus in 1965, University Extension moved administration of its
programs in Orange County to Irvine. Richard N. Baisden was named
director. Initial extension cultural offerings at Irvine were the
"William Butler Yeats Centennial," including readings, lectures,
recitals, and films, and courses in writing, art, orchestra, chorus,
and theater.
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The Division of Fine Arts
The Division of Fine Arts in fall, 1965,
began production of student concerts, musicals, and dramatic performances,
collaborating with the Committee for Arts and Lectures to present
a varied offering of cultural events, including distinguished lecturers,
concert artists, film series, and gallery exhibitions. Presentations
of exceptional note during the 1965 season were the Los Angeles
Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Zubin Mehta, which gave the
maiden concert in Campus Hall, and the initial concerts of the University
Chorus, under Roger Wagner, and the University Orchestra, under
Mehli Mehta.
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Venues
Besides Campus Hall, which seated nearly
1,600, facilities on campus for cultural presentations at the outset
included the 350-seat Science Lecture Hall, the 170-seat Fine Arts
Studio Theater, and the Fine Arts Gallery. Scheduled for completion
in 1969 were fine arts buildings to include a 600-seat theater and
a 300-seat concert hall.
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Music Groups
Formed at Irvine shortly after the establishment
of the campus were a University Orchestra, under the direction of
Mehli Mehta; a University Chorus, under Roger Wagner and Maurice
Allard; and the University Chamber singers, under Allard. The chamber
singers were a select group of 16 members from the chorus, which
numbered 60. First concerts by the chorus and the orchestra were
given in 1965. The chamber singers made their debut in March 1966.
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