Peter Rosenbaum
Robin Glosemeyer Petrone
Jennifer Mallard

Canada’s National Arts Centre was designed in 1967 emblematic of a visionary future. A transformation of the 50-year old building was completed in 2019 and included upgrades to public lobbies, auditoria and performance infrastructure. This talk will focus on the transformation of Southam Hall, their 2,100 seat venue, home to the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

The first phase of work, completed in the summer shutdown of 2016 involved converting the original continental seating arrangement for improved patron circulation and wheelchair accessibility. The second phase of work included significant infrastructure upgrades and replacement of the original orchestra shell.

Comprised of eight moveable towers, four tip-and-fly overhead reflector pieces on stage and eight pivoting side wall panels and a forestage reflector forward of the proscenium, the new orchestra shell is one of the largest in North America. These changes have dramatically changed the character of the room, improved communication between musicians on stage and the projection of sound to the audience. Peter Rosenbaum, Robin Glosemeyer Petrone and Jennifer Mallard will share their stories and lessons learned from this transformational project.

Learn more about the project here.