The Mannes School of Music, a famous conservatory, left its home on West 85th street Wednesday, carting pianos and other equipment down to its new digs in Greenwich Village. Mannes is now joining the campus of its parent institution, The New School.
The Mannes School moved to 85th from the Upper East Side in 1984. Faculty and students played free concerts for years at the West Side spot, a great treat for locals. So goodbye Mannes School, and thanks for all the great music.
Manhattan Country School plans to move into the building in August 2016.
Photos via Mannes School Facebook page. Thanks to Christine for the tip.
I attended a few concerts and recitals there over the years and got to know some of the faculty, who live in the neighborhood. And also have enjoyed hearing practicing students’ music wafting through brownstone backyards. Having Mannes in the neighborhood has been such a treat. They will be missed!
I was a student at Mannes. One of great memories from Mannes is whenever I play recital always neighbor has come to show their support which meant a lot to me and other students too. Sharing beautiful music with wonderful people was the best part of Mannes.
I thought it was Shaffer Conservatory?
Who can blame them, Downtown is so cool.
This is, I consider, a major loss for the UWS and New York City. Aside from making music available to local UWS kids access to music and instruments, it is a loss to the city as a whole. The students at Mannes has provided its students with an outlet for students to play before live audiences at residences throughout the city. Greenwich, your gain is truly a terrible loss for us!
You realize Greenwich Village is part of New York City, right? How is New York City losing anything?
I MISREAD Greenwich Village for Greenwich, Connecticut! All remains the same, except for the loss to the city.
too bad, i enjoyed going to the free students’ recitals
Aug. 13,2015
I am surviving brother to the late Esther Hoffman Wexler who was a member of the Mannes Faculty for as manny years as I can remember. Esther passed away on December 23, 2014 at the young age of 96 and I wandered if this was mentioned with honours in your publications. If anyone wishes to tell of their experiences with my fabulous sister I would be very grateful to hear from you at:
m.lhoffman@rogers.com or text to me at 416-816-7512. I can also be reached on my mobile 416-816-7512.
Music was her life and she spoke often of her experience at Mannes School of Music.
With much appreciation,
Martin Hoffman.
I was hoping a Food Emporium would go in here.
I agree that this is a major loss to the Upper West Side. Not only were the free concerts from talented students and faculty awesome, but Mannes also had a wonderful extension division where adults could take private lessons and great music theory and history classes. This neighborhood is getting less cool and losing Mannes may prove to be the final nail in the coffin. 🙁