“The rehabilitated Verizon Hall - in this piece, from my seat in the first tier - was paradise. The ensemble had levels of presence and clarity it has never had.”
— Peter Dobrin, Philadelphia Inquirer
Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Verizon Hall quickly became known for its cello-inspired form designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2001. The Hall became highly regarded as a venue for soloists, small ensembles, and impeccable amplified sound, but adjustments to Hall’s variable acoustic systems was not achieving an orchestral sound as present and lush as the architecture.
The Kimmel Center’s charge to Threshold at the start of our work in 2009 was to build on the strengths while finding the yet-unrealized potential for good on-stage communication and orchestral presence and impact.
Working closely with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops, our evaluation began with listening from the stage and from the hall. Months of rehearsals and performances, including mock-ups and open conversations with the Orchestra and Kimmel Center staff, balanced with in situ acoustic measurements and computer model data, revealed a direction for initial modifications.
In 2010 work began on a new ceiling for the pipe organ that not only improved organ sound but also orchestral warmth. Changes to stage walls in 2011 included new side stage towers that greatly improved communication for the orchestra and allowed changes to the canopy and reverberation chamber settings not previously thought possible.
There is no substitute for listening – to the music or the musicians – when correlating phenomena, causes, history, and expectations. Taking the time to do this, and to use all available analysis tools, built confidence, and, ultimately, proved itself in the masonry and fine veneer. New stage walls, improvements to the canopy, and a massive ceiling for the organ chamber now yield presence, richness, and life never before heard in the room.
"We are extremely pleased with the results of our Verizon Hall acoustic project. There is clarity of the winds and brass. The strings can now better hear each other from across the stage. There is an overall improved presence of sound in the Hall. Verizon Hall has been brought to its full glorious potential."
- Anne Ewers, president and CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Select the image to access the full report and presentation prepared by Partner Dawn Schuette at the Acoustics 2012 Nantes Conference
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Owner
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Renovation Team
Acoustics - Threshold
Architects - Voith & Mactavish Architects
Theatre Consultant - Theatre Project Consultants
Original Design Team
Acoustics - ARTEC Consultants (original project)
Architects - Rafael Viñoly Architects
Size
420,000 square feet (building)
2,500-seat Hall
Schedule
Completed 2011