World-class music hall Sage Gateshead has changed its name to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.
The new name and brand is inspired by the idea that “music lives and grows” in the North East, as well as hundreds of memories from local people of what the region’s biggest cultural charity means to them.
Abigail Pogson, managing director of The Glasshouse, said: “Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences of live music with us to help shape this new identity. Today marks a new era, building on all that has happened over the charity’s near 20 years so far.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to see people across the North East enjoy and make great music, working both with musicians from across the globe and from our most musical region.”
The search for Sage Gateshead’s new name started when it was announced that an arena and conference centre would be built next door and would be called The Sage.
The charity’s audiences, young musicians, artist friends, orchestral musicians and community partners are spreading the word and popping up at launch events throughout the week.
Across this weekend (September 16 and 17), The Glasshouse will open its doors for two days of free live music, building tours and music-making opportunities. This Open House weekend will celebrate the charity’s new name and a new year of live music.
The Glasshouse, which has hosted over 10,000 performances since it opened in 2004, is also launching a new Music Pass, planting a seed to support future music lovers. For every baby born in the North East and Cumbria this year, the charity will give families a voucher to be spent on their concerts, gigs or classes.
John McCabe, chief executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “Becoming The Glasshouse International Centre for Music reinforces the charity’s continued mission to bringing the best cultural experiences to the North East.
“Culture plays a vital part in the region’s identity and it’s fantastic to see The Glasshouse being bold in their approach to creating and celebrating outstanding music, growing talent and putting the North East on the world stage.
“We look forward to supporting The Glasshouse in attracting international talent and inward investment by showcasing the region as the best place to live, work and do business.”
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The centre’s new identity was inspired by hundreds of local people, who shared memories of hearing and learning music at The Glasshouse. This was celebrated on a dedicated website where thousands watched and listened to each other’s stories.
The new identity reflects the vibrancy and energy of the music making that happens at The Glasshouse and in its activity throughout the region. A new marque celebrates the music centre’s architecture which people said “was as much a symbol of home as the Tyne Bridge”.
The Glasshouse is one of Gateshead’s biggest employers and has generated £500m of economic value to the region. It is also home to the UK’s only full-time chamber orchestra Royal Northern Sinfonia.
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