UMS Hill Auditorium Documentary

Photo: Hill Auditorium front elevation. Image courtesy of the Albert Kahn Collection, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.

Hill Auditorium opened on May 14, 1913, and UMS celebrated the venue’s 100th birthday throughout our 2012-2013 season.

“A Space for Music, A Seat for Everyone” is the UMS documentary about the past century of UMS performances in the auditorium. The documentary had its world premiere on February 2 in Hill Auditorium at a free day-long celebration event. The film has been nominated for several awards, and earned the “Best Historical Documentary” Michigan EMMY.

View the full documentary film

Synopsis

Hill Auditorium, a building incredible not only due to its rich history and remarkable acoustics but also due to its function as a cultural incubator for the arts community in southeastern Michigan, has united a diverse community of music enthusiasts for 100 years. Through concert recordings, news articles, and anecdotal interviews, this documentary will provide historical context for UMS performances in Hill Auditorium while highlighting the evolving community function of the venue.

Length and format: 56 minutes, widescreen, HD.

Additional Videos

30 second trailer:

60 second trailer:

Ann Arbor’s two Big Houses:

Singer Audra McDonald wishes Hill Auditorium a happy birthday:

The history of Hill Auditorium’s Frieze Memorial Organ:

Sponsored by AnnArbor.com, part of the MLive Media Group. Funded in part by the Michigan Humanities Council.