The Auditorio de la Ribera would be celebrating major milestones this weekend were it not for the vagaries of government-managed construction projects.
Lakeside’s prime facility for the performing arts was conceived in 1973 under the leadership of expatriate residents Enid McDonald and Josephine Warren, and Chapala pharmacist Hector Márquez. State and municipal authorities quickly jumped on the bandwagon to move the project forward.
The ground-breaking was first scheduled for September 24, 1974, and then postponed until December 10. The estimated construction time-frame was set at eight months. Modifications to the plans caused delays, dragging out completion of the building until 1976.
A gala grand-opening was programmed for September 25. It was cancelled after the last-minute discovery that the smooth finishing of the interior walls made for abysmal acoustics. A garden party was held in its place. It took another year and a half to correct the sound problem and other flaws.
The Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra, the Jalisco Philharmonic Chorus, guest soloist soprano Lucille Sabella performed at the inaugural concert, finally held on March 15, 1978. So, the community will have to hang on until March 2018 for the auditorium’s official 40th birthday bash.