On Thursday, October 5, 2006 - Sunday, October 8, 2006, The Miami Performing Arts Center , designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, will celebrate its grand opening with four days of festivities. The highly anticipated 570,000 sq. ft. Center boasts two principal buildings - the 2,400-seat Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House, an elegant setting for opera, dance and Broadway; and the 2,200-seat Carnival Concert Hall which provides the ideal venue for a range of events.
* Thursday, October 5th - The grand opening kicks off with a public ceremony, on the outdoor Plaza For The Arts followed by 'The Concert for Miami' - featuring Gloria Estefan and other celebrity friends (produced by Emilio Estefan).
* Friday, October 6th - with a program of classical and contemporary music including commissioned orchestral work by Steven Mackey. Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas will conduct the New World Symphony with guest artists Measha Brueggergosman and Maxim Vengerov.
* Saturday, October 7th - Florida Grand Opera will present Act II of La Bohème, conducted by Stewart Robertson, featuring American soprano Patricia Racette and Miami City Ballet will present Act III of The Sleeping Beauty. Simultaneously, a grand opening gala will be taking place inside the Carnival Concert Hall. The party continues as The Center will be transformed into a massive after hours dance club with top notch DJ's.
* Sunday, October 8th - the celebration is rounded out with 'Global Beat'- free gospel, calypso, samba, and hip hop performances by a host of local musicians and performers.
To purchase tickets, contact the MPAC Box Office at (305) 949 – MPAC (6722) or visit www.miamipac.org.
