AES London 2011
Technical Tour TT6
Monday, May 16, 11:00 — 13:00
TT6 - The Royal Festival Hall
Abstract:
The Royal Festival Hall was opened in 1951 with acoustics designed by Hope Bagenal and a team from the Building Research Centre at Watford. At the time it was considered to be one of the finest concert halls in the country. However, over the years musicians and concert-goers began to criticize the acoustics as being too dry, in particular, musicians complained of being unable to hear other sections of the orchestra. Various attempts at introducing artificial aids to improve the acoustics failed to satisfy the requirements of both players and audience. In the early part of the millennium, Larry Kirkegaard of Kirkegaard Associates of Chicago was retained to improve the acoustics of the hall and following a two-year closure for major refurbishment, the hall reopened in 2007.
Dr. William McVicker, the organ curator, will talk about the acoustics of the hall by demonstrating the Harrison organ. The organ, originally designed by Ralph Downes and Harrison & Harrison the builders, has been restored in the their workshops in Durham and part of the instrument re-installed in the hall in 2007. It is anticipated the remaining sections of the organ will be installed in 2015.
Capacity TBA.
These times reflect the tours, not travel times. Maps and directions will be available when you sign up. No buses will be provided.
