University pride was mixed with world-renowned and local classical talents at the Saturday as part of the opening of the renovated Memorial Hall.
"A Classical Opening" featured violinists Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, who played with the North Carolina Symphony as conducted by guest maestro Leonard Slatkin.
Before the symphony performed, lifetime achievement awards were given to University alumni who have made contributions to the campus art world.
Andy Griffith, who brought Mayberry to the nation's TV screens in the '60s; Richard Adler, the Broadway composer of musicals such as "Damn Yankees;" and Maxine Swalin, who was a benefactor of the North Carolina Symphony, were presented with the awards by Chancellor James Moeser. In thanks of his award, Griffith acknowledged his roots both in the state and at the University.
"It's a real pleasure to receive this award on this stage in Memorial Hall where I got my start," he said.
Adler said past performances in the hall weren't up to musical perfection, but the renovation has brought a new life and sound to the venue. "I can tell you as a musician that this is as good as Carnegie Hall," he said.
Their praise jump-started a night of celebratory classical pieces that rang in the new venue.
The performance began with "Festive Overture" by Shostakovich. It conveyed a grand, triumphant air of freedom that meshed well with the celebration of the hall's reopening.
A few selections emphasized and celebrated the United States, with Charles Ives' "Variations on 'America,'" which showcased interpretations of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and Gershwin's jazzier "An American in Paris."
