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By Ashley Ryan for Musco Center for the Arts
Several artistic intricacies make Chapman University stand out, having cultivated a creative landscape that extends far beyond a single element. Aside from immersive interdisciplinary learning, the Old Towne Orange campus houses the Hilbert Museum of California Art, filled with not just regional pieces but also a vast collection of Disney-inspired artwork. Dodge College of Film and Media Arts has consistently been named in the top five film schools in the country by The Hollywood Reporter and has welcomed everyone from Spike Lee to Ariana Grande to speak over the last year. Pacific Symphony even hosts one of its summertime Symphony in the Cities outdoor concerts on the grounds. And then, of course, there’s the dazzling Marybelle and Sebastian P. Musco Center for the Arts.
This spring marked 10 years of premier performances at the center, with Chapman welcoming a spectrum of voices and visions, from chamber ensembles and touring orchestras to dance showcases, cultural festivals, panel discussions and student productions.
“In the 10 years since its opening, the Musco Center’s multifaceted programming has positioned the performing arts as an integral component of the Chapman experience for our students and for the wider community,” said Anne Hogan, dean of both the university’s College of Performing Arts and Musco Center for the Arts.
Before stepping fully into the future, this hidden gem arts institution is paying homage to its past with an anniversary season – complete with a special Sept. 19 celebration marking its milestone – blending cherished classics with fresh voices for a program that is as celebratory as it is visionary.
Located on the Chapman University campus, Musco Center for the Arts hosts events for students and the wider community. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Ema Peter 
Musco Center for the Arts hosts student productions, dance showcases, touring orchestras and more. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Doug Gifford 
Patrons gathered outside of the Musco Center. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Doug Gifford
Legacy in Motion
Since opening in March of 2016, Musco Center for the Arts has been intrinsically tied not just to Chapman’s creative scene but to Orange County as a whole – made possible by the crucial involvement of visionary philanthropists Marybelle Musco and her late husband, S. Paul Musco. After attending a fundraising gala in 2003 where they watched student performers light up the stage, the Muscos began contributing financially; a short time later, Paul was named a trustee after his interest blossomed along with the university’s long-term vision.
While the idea of adding a performing arts venue to the campus had been lingering on the horizon, the Muscos’ involvement was the catalyst needed to make the dream a reality. The couple donated $39 million to the creation of the multilevel, 1,044-seat center. But their involvement went deeper than funding alone. Although the Muscos knew to leave the logistics to the experts, they weighed in on everything from the color palette to the materials used.
“We felt it was important that both Chapman students and the wider Orange County community have access to a world-class venue on Chapman’s campus,” Marybelle said. “From state-of-the-art acoustics to great lines of sight for every seat, we wanted every detail of the building’s design to be exceptional.”
The acoustics are said to be top-notch, planned with the help of Japanese engineer Yasuhisa Toyota – best known for his work on the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles and Japan’s Suntory Hall – featuring a terraced layout that forever changed the landscape of acoustics. Another unique element of the structure lies in its design, with one side descending two levels below ground for a five-floor layout that fits within the height limitations of the surrounding historic district.
“I vividly remember the beautiful groundbreaking ceremony,” Marybelle said. “At that moment, I knew our dream would be realized.” Although Paul passed in 2021, he was in attendance for the groundbreaking as well as for many of the performances over the next five years. All of it took place alongside his wife, who has worked to keep his legacy alive in the years since.
The stunning interior of Musco Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Ema Peter 
A test of the building’s acoustics while construction is underway. Photo courtesy of Chapman University 
The theater, with acoustics designed by Japanese engineer Yasuhisa Toyota. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Ema Peter 
There are more than 1,000 seats in the Musco Center. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Doug Gifford
Over the last decade, the Musco Center has welcomed a wide array of events and artists. Activities that encourage engagement, such as residences and master classes, have been built directly into the student curriculum, encouraging collaboration between departments and disciplines. “The Musco Center is a very busy place,” Hogan said. “It’s a highly adaptable performance space, and we take pride in the broad range of activities we host, from our ‘Musco Presents’ performances to our student productions, university events such as the ‘Economic Forecast’ and free community events in the Aitken Arts Plaza.”
Although the memories Marybelle and Paul made together remain close to her heart, modern shows still have their way of leaving an impact. “There have been so many incredible performances over the years, but I would have to say that having the Martha Graham Dance Company here last year was particularly special,” she said, “not only because we presented a world-renowned company celebrating its 100th anniversary, but also because the Chapman Orchestra played the music for the performance and our dance students opened the second half of the show by performing ‘Steps in the Streets,’ choreographed by Martha Graham in 1936.”
As these iconic moments continue to grace the Musco Center stage, it’s clear that Paul and Marybelle Musco’s legacy lives on through the continued passion that finds its way to Chapman University.
Blues artist Buddy Guy performing at Musco Center. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Brian Feinzimer 
Performances are sometimes held in the lobby of the center as well. Photo courtesy of Chapman University 
The audience during a performance. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Karen Tapia 
Bette and Wylie Aitken, who the Aitken Arts Plaza is named for, at the opening of Musco Center of the Arts. Photo courtesy of Chapman University 
Attendees at a past iteration of the Heartbeat of Mexico festival, returning in September. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Karen Tapia and Greg Andersen 
Pacific Symphony’s outdoor Symphony in the Cities concert on the Aitken Arts Plaza. Photo courtesy of Chapman University/Debbie Lefever
Curtain Calls to Come
The anniversary season has already kicked off at Musco Center with the debut of contemporary company BalletX, part of the Marybelle Musco Contemporary Dance Series. Setting the scene for what’s to come, the next show on Sept. 9 features returning act Blind Boys of Alabama, legends in the gospel genre. The rest of the school year plays out this way, pitting reprising artists back by popular demand with new names for a lineup that offers a little something for everyone.
EVENT DETAILS
10th Anniversary Jubilee
When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 19
Where: Musco Center for the Arts, 415 N. Glassell St., Orange
Tickets: $25-$48
More Info: muscocenter.org
Highlights include the Heartbeat of Mexico festival, a beloved decade-long tradition slated for Sept. 13 that celebrates culture in the form of mariachi music, Aztec and folklorico dance, authentic craftsmanship and soccer, and opera singer Ben Bliss, a Chapman alumnus returning Oct. 15 for the first time since playing the grand opening of the center in 2016. Theater students will also present a production of Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s musical, “American Idiot,” in February while icons like Priscilla Presley and Lee Rocker will also take to the Musco stage in 2027.
But possibly the most anticipated event is the 10th Anniversary Jubilee on Sept. 19. For one night only, students, faculty, alumni and members of the surrounding community will come together to honor the legacy the Muscos have helped create. “Weaving together music, theater and dance, the night will bring some outstanding artists back to the Musco stage,” Hogan said, citing Backhausdance, Ashley Faatoalia, the College of Performing Arts’ Alumni String Trio and more as part of the lineup. “It is a true love letter to everything this community has built together over the past 10 years.”
While the quality of local art has been integral to the center’s success, its environment has enhanced the offerings as well. “The Musco Center has truly established itself as a welcoming and inspiring place where the arts can flourish and facilitate meaningful connections,” Hogan said. “It’s such a joy to hear from audience members how much they appreciate the incredible performances and Musco’s friendly atmosphere. And the opportunities for students to perform on a professional stage of this caliber really set our performing arts programs apart.”
Looking ahead, students, faculty and community members can expect the Musco Center to continue pushing the envelope, cultivating its unique blend of student-driven works, legendary artists and community-centric groups who showcase the vast diversity of arts and culture in Orange County.
“I’m in heaven,” Marybelle said. “The Musco Center has been a place of so much love and passion over the years, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve over the years to come.”
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