Wired For Sound: A Recital Hall Fit For The World's Best Musicians

The Age

Wednesday November 30, 2005

By ROBIN USHER

HOW many experts does it take to build a recital hall equal to the world's best, including New York's Carnegie Hall? More than 60, as this picture reveals.

They are members of the industry reference group - including sound engineers, musicians, composers and musicians - who were brought together to ensure that musical excellence is built into the design of the new Melbourne Recital Centre.

They gathered at Southbank's Malthouse Theatre yesterday for Dame Elisabeth Murdoch to unveil a large-scale model of the centre's 1001-seat hall named after her.

Unlike Hamer Hall, there will be no discs suspended over the stage or other aids to help with the sound, and no changes will be possible after it is completed in two years' time.

The hall has to work from day one for all varieties of acoustic sounds, from chamber to world music.

"It will be a finely tuned instrument itself, rather than just another hall for hire," Arts Minister Mary Delahunty said.

It is hoped that the $44.5 million hall, to be built in Southbank Boulevard opposite the ABC headquarters, will gain such a reputation that the world's best musicians will be keen to include it as part of their international tours.

Architects from Ashton Raggatt McDougall and acousticians from international design company Arup met weekly for the past two years to consider the recommendations of the industry group and the example of overseas halls.

Because the building, which is being built beside the Melbourne Theatre Company's new theatre project, has trams running along two neighbouring streets, it will float on steel springs to isolate it from vibrations.

Arup's Peter Holmes said the hall would respond to the slightest delicacy of sound. The acoustic design process was evolving to improve the sense of intimacy and sight lines for audiences. "Computer tests show that it is working to perfection," he said.

Wooden walls will use timber grains as part of the ornamentation, much like the pattern on the back of a violin. This will be enhanced by adding varying layers to aid the sound.

The hall will be the main component of the centre, which will include a 150-seat salon for smaller-scale performances, a recording studio and a cafe.

The chairman of the centre's board, Jim Cousins, who oversaw the construction of the National Gallery of Victoria's new centre in Federation Square, said the hall would be one of the final pieces in the jigsaw making up Melbourne's cultural facilities.

"The infrastructure is unsurpassed in Australia," he said. "This project will take us to a position where no other state can catch us."

More than $1 billion had been spent on cultural facilities in the past decade, more than anywhere else in the country, he said.

The model of the recital hall will be on display at the Chunky Move Studio opposite the Malthouse Theatre until 6pm on Friday. A free public forum will be held at 7pm tomorrow.

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

? 1001-seat Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and 150-seat salon.

? Cost $44.5 million.

? To be completed by December 2007. Opening season August 2008.

? Supported on steel springs to isolate it from street vibrations.

? All-acoustic interior designed to accommodate all acoustic sounds, from chamber to jazz to world music.

? Part of complex designed by Ashton Raggatt McDougal and includes the MTC's new 500-seat theatre.

© 2005 The Age

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