When the Zoellner Arts Center opened on Lehigh University's campus in 1997, it gave the Lehigh Valley something it had never had before: a purpose built, acoustically excellent performing arts center capable of hosting the finest musicians and theater companies in the world. And that is exactly what it has done.
Two Stages, One Mission
The center houses two performance spaces. Baker Hall is a 1,014 seat proscenium auditorium designed for orchestral, choral, and large scale theatrical performances. The Diamond Theater is a more intimate 309 seat thrust theater that brings the audience closer to the action. Both spaces were built with serious attention to acoustics and sight lines, making them a joy for performers and audiences alike.
The Presenting Series
The Zoellner Presenting Series has featured an extraordinary roster of artists over the years. The New York Philharmonic, Boston Pops, Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Garrison Keillor, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Tony Bennett, Ani DiFranco, and the dance company Momix have all graced the Baker Hall stage. This is the kind of lineup you would expect from a major city venue, and it happens right here on a university campus in South Bethlehem.
The programming is not limited to classical music and big names. The center hosts student performances, faculty recitals, visiting theater companies, dance ensembles, and lecture series throughout the academic year. Many events are free and open to the public, making it accessible to the broader community.
A Campus and Community Resource
Zoellner does something that few university arts centers manage. It serves both the campus and the surrounding community with equal commitment. On any given week, you might find a Lehigh student chamber ensemble on the Diamond stage and a Grammy winning artist in Baker Hall. That range is what makes Zoellner special. It is not just a college venue. It is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Lehigh Valley.
