Belmont University named today longtime music industry executive Chaz Corzine as the founding executive director of the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Located on Belmont Boulevard on the University’s campus and completed last fall, the 1,700 seat multi-functional performance hall most recently hosted the nationally televised “Christmas at Belmont” concert featuring more than 600 student musicians. Through the leadership of Corzine and his staff, the Fisher Center will serve as another diamond in Music City’s ring of performance venues, catering to diverse audiences with major concerts, plays, operas, dance, musical theatre and other performances. In addition to showcasing the exceptional talents and stories of Belmont students, faculty and alumni, the Fisher Center will also be home to one-of-a-kind appearances from the world’s premiere experts, artists and performers and the site of unique collaborations.
A 35-plus-year music industry veteran, Corzine most recently served as a partner at The MWS Group, a creative content company he co-founded in 2009, which has served to manage the career and ancillary businesses of Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Olympic Gold Medalist and commentator Scott Hamilton, author Frank Peretti and others. Corzine will begin his new position at Belmont on Feb. 14.
Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones said, “I first met Chaz several months ago when CeCe Winans so graciously and beautifully sang as part of my Inauguration festivities. In the months since, I’ve discovered what extraordinary experience Chaz possesses from his time in the pop, Christian and gospel music worlds, along with a deep network of entertainment industry colleagues and an ambitious vision that’s visible in every endeavor he undertakes. Most importantly, Chaz shares the God-sized dreams we have for the Fisher Center to draw the world’s finest artists, performers and storytellers to enrich and inspire our campus and community. The Fisher Center provides Belmont an extraordinary opportunity for something new to happen both at this University and in Nashville, and Chaz’s experience and character is exactly what we need to get there.”
Corzine added, “I could not be more grateful for the opportunity and experiences I’ve had working with artists like Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Amy Grant and others. I’ve had the good fortune to work with legendary artists, and I now get to take those years of experiences and turn my focus to what will become a legendary venue. The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University is a world-class facility with unlimited potential. What a gift I’ve received to have had the career I’ve had and to now focus all I’ve learned on helping introduce the Fisher Center to the world.”
As Executive Director for the Fisher Center, Corzine will lead the Fisher Center’s artistic vision, help shape the strategic program direction and assist in building a brand that communicates the center as a place of hope-inspiring community engagement through art and storytelling.
Michael W. Smith said, “Working with Chaz over the past almost 38 years has been a blessing indeed. Not too many people can say they’ve had the same manager for that long. He will be greatly missed but I wish him nothing but happiness and prosperity in his new role. Belmont is fortunate to have him on their team!”
Amy Grant added, “Everything about Chaz’s personality and character are perfect for this job. As an artist manager for over 30 years, Chaz has brought clients into every size arena and theater across the country. He is a natural networker and has friends in every area of entertainment – music, sports, racing. He is kind-hearted and compassionate and has worked tirelessly on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for decades. He has a great sense of humor and has never met a stranger. He will give the same respect and consideration to the middle aged usher as he will the artist standing center stage. Belmont is lucky to have him.”
A graduate of Greenville University, Corzine learned the business by working in many different roles over the years, including in artist management, tour promotion and as an event producer. Corzine has negotiated some of the largest and most effective endorsement and sponsorship agreements in the music industry; implemented and led some of the largest ticket selling and grossing concert tours; sold film rights and seen his projects gain theatrical release; and represented dozens of recording and book deals. He has also seen his artists garner Grammys, American Music Awards, Dove Awards, Gold Medallion Awards and numerous other achievement and humanitarian awards. In addition to his career achievements, Corzine has remained an active contributor in the local community, serving on several nonprofit boards including The Nashville Symphony, Hope Clinic for Women, Rocketown of Middle Tennessee, The Gospel Music Association, The Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation and the PAB Board of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In his new role, Corzine will contribute to the development, implementation and management of all of the center’s artistic programs. This includes a robust and diverse annual schedule of music, dance, theater, original content, television tapings, etc.; as well as programs produced and/or presented cooperatively with other organizations; and programs associated with educational and community goals.
Partnerships with local arts organizations will be an integral aspect of the facility’s identity, as Belmont seeks for the Fisher Center to be shared with Nashville and the surrounding region as a center for artistic storytelling, inspiration and celebration. The May 2022 Nashville Opera collaboration on Richard Wagner’s epic “Das Rheingold” is anticipated to draw talent and audiences from around the country, while a June 2022 Nashville Ballet residency will bring three spectacular debut performances to the venue. Conversations are underway for the Nashville Symphony to perform in the space in 2022 as well.
Located between Belmont’s Massey Performing Arts Center, Curb Event Center, Troutt Theater and McAfee Concert Hall, the Fisher Center completes a performing arts district along Belmont Boulevard. Moreover, the horseshoe-shaped hall promises ultimate adaptability with design features that make it a perfect fit for a wide variety of functions, from both acoustic and amplified music concerts to theater and dance performances and broadcast events. The entire facility has been acoustically designed to provide an optimal listening experience to all audiences.
