The hall, designed by Renzo Piano, was added as part of an extensive renovation and expansion of the library, which officially reopened yesterday. The hall, the first space expressly designed for performance at the library, holds 240 to 280 people. It will be used for musical performances of works in the library's collection of musical manuscripts, as well as lectures and readings.

At the May 2 event, Hampson will perform with pianist Craig Rutenberg; the Vermeer Quartet is also scheduled to appear. Tickets are $45 for library members and $60 for non-members.

Subsequent events at Lehrman Hall include a performance of American songs by soprano Harolyn Blackwell with pianist William Hicks on June 14. Lecturers this spring and summer include playwright Edward Albee, journalist Pete Hamill, and poet Seamus Heaney.

For more information, visit www.morganlibrary.org.