The Philadelphia Orchestra identified a need for acoustical improvements to its main performance venue, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts not long after this extraordinary building originally opened. The project required close collaboration with a strong team of technical consultants to ensure the alterations were subtle but effective.

To achieve the result, we examined the configurations of the world’s greatest orchestra halls. After doing so, we recognized the need to make several structural changes and additions. First, we narrowed the stage and installed two downstage moveable towers, which would blend with the distinctive architecture of the space. Moving the towers on tracks enabled the hall to “tune” the stage for each performance. Behind the stage surround, new curved reflector walls provide reinforcement so that performers may hear each other better and project sound to the audience. The organ chamber was isolated, so that the lower registers could be played for the first time. In addition, new reflector panels were added above and behind the choral  balcony. Finally, the entry doors to the hall were improved to simultaneously allow private events within the airy, open lobby at the same time as a concert in the hall.

PUBLICATIONS

• "Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Completes $1.3 Million Acoustic Work in Verizon Hall." BraodwayWorld.com, 6 November 2011.
• “Verizon Hall Gets $1.3 M in Fine-Tuning” by Peter Dobrin. The Philadelphia Inquirer, 20 Oct 2011.