Published: November 26, 2009 10:59 pm      

Renaissance group announces plans for Bent's Opera House

MEDINA — It was a great night for the arts as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Brass Quintet played Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Medina in a concert sponsored by the Orleans Renaissance Group.

Many community members attended to hear the traditional Christmas songs, classical pieces — and one major announcement.

“It’s a dream that many Medinians have shared,” said Renaissance Group President Merle “Skip” Draper. “A seemingly impossible dream. A dream of bringing the Bent’s Opera House back to life, and tonight that’s certainly going to become a reality.”

Draper spoke to the crowd, announcing that Bank of America, which closed its Medina doors in September, would be transferring ownership of the building to the Renaissance Group. The opera house is on the third floor of Bent’s Hall, which the group would like to restore so a new generation can enjoy all the possibilities it brings.

“This is not just any building, it is the building.” Draper said. “It is our belief that this one-of-a-kind building can be the heart of our community once more.”

He also spoke about the importance of the sandstone structure that he said has been the “crown jewel” of Medina since the mid-1860s.

“It is one of the oldest opera houses in the country and one of the most well-preserved collections of 19th century architecture anywhere in the nation,” Draper said. “The possibility for reuse of Bent’s Hall is limitless. However, we would not be at this point without the Bank of America’s generosity and cooperation.”

Former Medina Branch Manager Phil Ricci, of Batavia, represented Bank of America during the concert.

Draper asked the community for support to help with the project.

“It is up to us — the Renaissance Group and the community — to seize this opportunity and make this dream a reality,” Draper said. “To do this, we desperately need your support and your help, for there is much to do.”

Following the announcement, the quintet played a number of songs, including classical tunes, Broadway pieces and Christmas favorites.

“It’s the Philharmonics goal to bring great classical music to Western New York,” said principal trumpet player Alex Jokipii.

Jokipii said that by having this concert, they are doing a small part to reconnect the orchestra with the Medina community.

Visit www.eggstreet.org for more information about Bent’s Hall or the Orleans Renaissance Group.

Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.