Upon entering the 700-seat Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall for the first time, most visitors stand in awe of the beautiful C.B. Fisk organ towering over the stage area. Slee also houses two rehearsal rooms, a recording studio and electronic music room, all facilities of the Department of Music.

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.

Building Facts

Primary function: Academic

Tenants: Music

Architect: Ulrich, Franzen and Associates

Completion date: June, 1981

Gross square feet: 39,875

Construction cost: $2,886,000