Slee Hall (SLEE) - North Campus, Arts & Athletics Sector

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Slee Hall

Upon entering the 700-seat Lippes Auditorium in Slee Hall for the first time, most visitors stand in awe of the beautiful Fisk organ towering over the stage area. The custom-made organ is self-contained and freestanding, with 1,826 pipes, 36 ranks, and 32 stops. Slee Hall also houses, two rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, an electronic music room, and UB's Department of Music. With such impressive facilities, it's no surprise that Slee Hall frequently hosts major musical performers, prominent guest artists, and lecturers from all over the world. (Read more at the UB Archives.)

Namesake

Frederick (1870-1954) and Alice Slee (1875-1956) were Buffalo music aficionados who gave the university a $900,000 endowment to support the annual playing of Beethoven's complete works for string quartet. Frederick Slee was a noted Buffalo corporate lawyer and a devoted yachtsman. Alice Slee was an honored member of the American Red Cross who was known for her flair in choosing hats. The first Beethoven cycle was performed in 1955 by the renowned Budapest String Quartet, which performed it for the next 11 years. The cycle continues in 2004 with the Vermeer, Ives and Muir String Quartets.

Historical research and photographs provided by University Archives.