Soka Opens 1,000-Seat Performing Arts Center

Nestled in the center of Soka University's calm and serene campus is a masterpiece for audiophiles everywhere. The university's new 1,000-seat Performing Arts Center celebrated its grand opening Saturday night.

It is easy to see the fine attention to detail that went into center's creation. Its glass exterior welcomes guests inside, where the true beauty awaits.

Greeting guests is a wall of glass etched with the names of donors who made the building possible. To the left of that is the entrance to the performance hall.

Donors are also thanked on the arms of the chairs in the hall.

"I have the ultimate honor of being the general manager of this beautiful facility," said David Palmer, general manager of the Performing Arts Center. "I have one just small thing to say. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the creation of this space. I'm not going to say anything other than that because I'm going to let the hall speak for itself."

The performance began as the director of Orange County's Pacific Symphony, Carl St.Clair, took to the stage and readied his orchestra.

Then as the symphony began to play John Adams "Short Ride in a Fast Machine." The hall really did speak for itself.

Dark hues of wood cover the ceiling allowing the sound of the bass instruments such as bassoons, tubas and baritones to roll into the audience. Violins sound rich. Brass instruments sound regal and royal. Percussion is loud and thunderous.

"We endeavor to schedule artists, speakers and other events that represent cultures from around the world. That represent a variety of artistic disciplines that may address current social, political, economic or philosophical issues; and that encourage discussion and thought well beyond the end of the actual presentation," Palmer said.

This season, the Performing Arts Center is scheduled to highlight artists that represent Cuba, Russia, China, Japan, New Zealand, India, Pacific Atolls and the United States.

Aliso Viejo now has its own reason to dress up for the night—Soka University's Performing Arts Center.

For more information and a schedule of upcoming events visit Soka University online.