Emma Lazaroff Shaver Music Building

Can music mend a broken world? At the Emma Lazaroff Shaver Music Building, that question hangs in the air, a melodic echo through time. This building, nestled within Wayne State University, isn’t just brick and mortar. It’s a testament to a woman who believed in the power of music to heal and inspire. Emma Lazaroff Shaver, a Detroit native, poured her life into music and philanthropy. The Emma Lazaroff Shaver Music Building stands as a tribute to her unwavering dedication. Born in Russia in 1905, Emma immigrated to Detroit with her family. She honed her talent at the Detroit Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School, her soprano voice rising to international acclaim. But Emma’s story transcends the concert halls. After World War II, she joined the first cultural mission to Europe. She brought music to the displaced persons camps, offering solace to Holocaust survivors. Emma recalled those performances as some of the most moving of her career. The experience profoundly shaped her dedication to humanitarian work. Emma, along with her husband Morris, became known for her philanthropy. Their generosity touched countless lives and institutions. At Wayne State University, their legacy includes the Emma Lazaroff Shaver Music Building. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who saw music as more than just notes on a page. It was a language of hope, a bridge between cultures, a source of healing. The Schavers also endowed scholarships, libraries and educational funds. Their impact extended from the university to the broader community, enriching cultural and educational opportunities. Emma received numerous awards recognizing her contributions. Honorary degrees, the Holocaust Memorial Center Legacy Award and the Leonard N. Simons History Award are just a few examples. Her story is preserved at the Jewish Community Archives at Wayne State’s Reuther Library. The Emma Lazaroff Shaver Music Building stands as a vibrant hub for aspiring musicians. Here, students continue the tradition of musical excellence. They carry Emma’s legacy forward. Her belief in the power of music resonates within these walls, inspiring future generations to create and connect.