The historic, 1200-seat Miller Symphony Hall, formerly known as the Allentown Symphony Hall, is the premier performing arts facility in Allentown, the largest city in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley.Allentown Symphony AssociationThe Mission of the Allentown Symphony Association is "to provide a first-class symphony orchestra and Hall, quality performing arts, and cultural education in partnership with the community."The theater maintains a full production schedule of non-orchestral performances, including the new Symphony Hall Pops Series, Jazz Cabaret Series, Backstage Chamber Series, Musical Treasure Chest series for small children and their families, and a variety of Special Events.In addition to the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Miller Symphony Hall also serves as home to the Pennsylvania Sinfonia, Community Concerts of Allentown, the Allentown Band, the Community Music School of the Lehigh Valley and the annual Nutcracker performance of Repertory Dance Theatre.HistoryOriginsMiller Symphony Hall's heritage dates back to 1817 when Northampton Town got its first farmer's market on Center Square. It was a wood and stone building. In 1848 that building was consumed by fire when most of the Allentown Central Business District burned down. It was rebuilt in 1859 at the corner of Church Street and Linden. In the mid 1890s, a new Central Market was built at the northeast corner of Sixth and Court Streets. However, it was not successful economically. By the late 1890s concerts were being held there and in 1899, the structure was converted to a theater by the firm of J.B. McElfatrick. The Lyric was designed as a legitimate theater for plays. Its name came about as the result of a contest, a five dollar gold piece being offered for the best choice.
