Join UMS as we celebrate 100 years at Ann Arbor’s most beloved concert venue: Hill Auditorium.  Our daylong celebration begins with a special “Saturday Morning Physics” event focusing on the marvelous and world-renowned acoustics of Hill Auditorium, follow by fun activities that explore the architecture of the building and the history of UMS’s performances at Hill, culminating with the world-premiere screening of UMS’s new documentary about 100 years of performances at Hill.  We’ll end the day with a cake and punch birthday party fit for an icon!

Come for any or all of the activities.

Schedule of Events
Program Book [PDF]

10 am - 12 noon: Saturday Morning Physics
Have you ever wondered why the acoustics at Hill Auditorium are so fantastic?  UMS teams up again with the popular Saturday Morning Physics series to explore Hill’s unique acoustical properties.  Acoustician Scott Pfeiffer (lead consulting acoustician on Hill Auditorium’s 2004 renovation) will explore what makes Hill special. Doors open at 10:00 AM for coffee and donuts; lecture begins at 10:30 AM.
Watch the complete lecture

12 noon - 2 pm: Self-Guided Architecture and History Tours and Lunch (on your own)

2-3 pm: UMS on Film Special Event: World Premiere!
“A Space for Music, A Seat for Everyone: 100 Years of UMS Performances in Hill Auditorium”
Documentary Film
Join UMS and UMMA in celebrating 100 years of Ann Arbor’s most beloved concert venue: Hill Auditorium.  As part of a daylong event, UMS premieres its new original documentary celebrating this iconic building.  The documentary combines archival material and original interviews to explore Hill’s rich history and incredible acoustics, and the vital role Hill Auditorium plays in the cultural vibrancy of our region. Learn more.

3:15-4:15 pm: Hill @ 100 – The Past, Present, and Future of the Great Concert Hall
UMS convenes a panel of experts in music, architecture, and technology in a fascinating discussion of how artists, audiences, and new technologies are changing the way we think about great concert halls like Hill Auditorium. Moderated by Professor Mark Clague (U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance).

4:30-5:30 pm: Reception

Share Your Hill Experiences.

Program is funded in part by: The Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities; THE MOSAIC FOUNDATION (of R. & P. Heydon); Saturday Morning Physics and the U-M Department of Physics; U-M Arts Engine; and Arts at Michigan.
 
In collaboration with: the U-M Museum of Art; the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance; and the Ann Arbor Film Festival.

Special thanks to: the Bentley Historical Library and the Albert Kahn Family of Companies.

Media partner: AnnArbor.com, part of the MLive Media Group.

Trailer: Hill Auditorium documentary