Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts facts for kids

The Zelazo Center in October 2023

The Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, often called the "Zelazo Center" or "ZPAC," is a special building for performances. It's located at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee campus. This center has the Helen Bader Concert Hall, which can seat 756 people. It also has large rooms for practice, meeting areas, music offices, and dance studios. These spaces are used by the UWM Peck School of the Arts. The Zelazo Center is one of several buildings managed by the Peck School of the Arts.

History of the Zelazo Center

The Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts.

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) bought the Zelazo Center in October 2000. Before that, it was a synagogue, a place of worship for Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun, since 1922. When UWM took over, they mainly changed the worship area into the Helen Bader Concert Hall.

Many parts of the building still show its history as a synagogue. You can see Star of David symbols and beautiful stained glass windows. The art windows in the Helen Bader Concert Hall were designed by Rabbi Joseph L. Baron. He served the community from 1926 to 1960. These 14 windows have Hebrew words and symbols that represent Jewish ideas.

The Zelazo Center got its name because of a big donation from the Nathaniel K. Zelazo Revocable Trust. The building was officially opened on February 16, 2001.

What the Center Offers

The Zelazo Center helps the UWM Peck School of the Arts in many ways. It's the main place for students studying trombone, euphonium, tuba, harp, string bass, percussion, and guitar to practice. The building also has offices for large music groups, like the UWM Youth Wind Ensemble program.

Inside, you'll find three dance studios, a big rehearsal room, and a medium-sized rehearsal room. There are also two art galleries, a kitchen for events, and various meeting rooms. All these are in addition to the Helen Bader Concert Hall. Many local and regional groups also like to use the center for meetings and banquets.

Music Groups and Performances

The Zelazo Center is home to all the large music groups from the UWM Music Department. This includes the UWM Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, and University Band. It also hosts some student recitals and smaller chamber music performances.

The center is the main practice and performance space for the UWM Youth Wind Ensemble Program and the UWM Community Orchestra. Other groups like Chamber Music Milwaukee, the Fine Arts Quartet, and Early Music Now also use it. While it's mostly a concert hall, it sometimes hosts theater shows, opera, and spoken word events.