Renovation of Baltimore Historical Landmark to Begin for Community Arts Center

Renovation of Baltimore Historical Landmark to Begin for Community Arts Center

The Cathedral Church of Saint Matthew Will Become a Residence for The Maryland State Boychoir and Arts Organizations

BALTIMORE, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Maryland State Boychoir (MSB) is now leasing rehearsal space in the historic Cathedral Church of Saint Matthew, and thanks to the cooperative efforts of the MSB community and the church's pastor and council, it will become their permanent home in December. The sale of the building ensures a solid future for the MSB, while providing countless benefits to the community, arts concerns, and private interests.

"This unique project belongs not only to The Maryland State Boychoir and the congregation of the Saint Matthew Church, it belongs to the entire community -- a community that will be nourished, welcomed, and fed by this collaborative effort," said Frank Cimino, MSB founder and artistic director.

Cimino's long-held dream of a permanent home for his choir began in 1998 when the church's congregation was dwindling and MSB membership was increasing. After years of planning and negotiations, the terms of the relationship were finalized and an option contract was signed in June of 2005. In this unique collaboration, the landlord/tenant roles have been reversed, allowing the congregation and existing preschool and daycare facilities to stay in place. In the meantime, MSB is managing a capital campaign to raise $3 million for the purchase, renovation, and administration of the historic building that dates back to 1928.

The cathedral is a classic example of English Gothic style architecture and has several unique features. For example, the bell tower holds eleven bells, the three largest are cast out of cannons from the Franco-Prussian war and were a gift from German Emperor William I in 1874. In addition, the cathedral's sanctuary contains a beautiful Tiffany-inspired, round stained glass window. The majestic cathedral, located in the historic Mayfield community, is also in the process of being designated a Baltimore City Historical Landmark.

Once the cathedral is renovated, it will have private studios for voice lessons, rehearsal and reception halls, a performance area in the sanctuary, a restored Schantz pipe organ, a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, and space for local art groups to utilize. While the building will become a modern facility it will retain its historical character and features.

"When renovation of the building is completed, the boychoir and local arts organizations will have a magnificent place to call home," said Frank Cimino.

The community can see MSB perform in its new home by attending the Senior Citizens Day Concert and Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser that will be held on Sunday, October 15 at 2:30 p.m. The cathedral is located at 3400 Norman Avenue. Concert admission is free, however there is a suggested donation of $7 per person for the spaghetti dinner.

The Maryland State Boychoir was founded in 1987 by Artistic Director, Frank Cimino. The mission of the MSB is to foster the boychoir tradition by offering talented boys opportunities to sing and build self-esteem, self- discipline, and character. The MSB makes its home in one of Baltimore City's historical landmarks -- the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew. The MSB plans to renovate the Cathedral into a modern arts facility for local arts organizations. For more information on the MSB visit http://www.marylandstateboychoir.org/.

Source: The Maryland State Boychoir

CONTACT: Barbara Scanlan, +1-301-272-2437, bscanlan@equals3.com, for The
Maryland State Boychoir, or Patrick Bourckel of The Maryland State Boychoir,
+1-410-668-2003, patrick@marylandstateboychoir.org

Web site: http://www.marylandstateboychoir.org/

-------
Profile: intent