As classical season ends, renovations begin

A world class institution for classical music here in Santa Barbara has been raising quite a bit of money lately. The Music Academy of the West is striving for $17.5 million, as part of their Capital Campaign. They’re at $11.7 million so far, and as the summer season wraps up, work is beginning to expand the campus and better train classical musicians. Music Academy President and CEO Scott Reed has some big ideas and joined KCRW’s Jonathan Bastian to share them.

Changes to come:

• Phase I (in progress): improvement of the Marilyn Horne Main House, including seismic retrofitting, implementation of energy efficient options and restoration of the patios, terrace, and fountains.

• Phase II (scheduled to begin August 2016): Renovation and expansion of rehearsal rooms and faculty teaching studios to accommodate the latest technology. A $2.1 million instrument fund allows for Steinway pianos, timpani and marimbas to be purchased for the new studios. A $3 million endowment will be designated to assure funding for ongoing and upcoming maintenance.

• Continuing accessibility initiatives like live-stream and $10 community tickets.