Salme Harju Steinberg Fine Arts Center

Located adjacent to the Ronald Williams Library on the west side of the campus, Northeastern Illinois University's Salme Harju Steinberg Fine Arts Center includes a state-of-the-art piano classroom, a computer and electronic music studio, a full-complement suite of Wenger practice studios, ample rehearsal spaces, and a 170-seat recital hall. The Multimedia Learning Resources Center (MLRC), located on the 3rd floor of the Ronald Williams Library, includes computer-assisted study materials, fully-equipped music listening stations, and approximately 4,000 recordings and scores.

Performance Spaces

The University's Auditorium and Recital Hall are two of the finest performance spaces in Chicago. Originally designed by VOA Associates Inc., in conjunction with Schuler & Schook, Inc. Theater Consultants, and The Talaske Group, Inc. Acoustical Consultants, the Recital Hall was completed in 1999, and the Auditorium in 2004.

The 450-seat Auditorium is an ample, yet intimate, room with excellent sight lines. The versatile stage is suitable for music, theater, and dance. The Auditorium is operated by the University's professional stage management personnel and is equipped with a theater lighting system, wireless digital sound system, accoustical shell and ceiling, dance floor, 2 Steinway Model D pianos, projector, screen, and many other professional-grade appointments. Full-scale opera, musical theater, symphony orchestra, instrumental and concert ensembles, choral and dance performances, and lectures regularly take place within this space. It is a fitting space for large-scale presentations, public gatherings and meetings.

The Recital Hall seats 170 in an acoustically pleasing setting. The Chicago Tribune has hailed the Recital Hall as "a gem of a space boasting exceptional acoustics." The Recital Hall is also known as the "jewel box" and is where the Jewel Box Series gets its name. The Recital Hall has 2 Steinway Model D pianos, an authentic Wolf 18th century reproduction of a French double-manual, transposing harpsichord (built in 1975), a projector and retractable screen, a Siemens electronic accoustical enhancement system, and a professional-grade digital sound system. The Recital Hall is a favored space for WFMT-produced "Live Music in Chicago" programs which feature Jewel Box Series concerts regularly. The Recital Hall is an ideal space for recording, as well as live performance.

Afternoon and evening concerts are offered in these venues throughout the year including performances by students and faculty. Guest artists are featured in performances produced by the University's Office of Cultural Events which includes the Jewel Box Concerts, by the Ensemble Español, and The Ruth Page Dance Series, among others.

Visit the Music and Dance Department's concert calendar.