Theatre Projects worked closely with Frank Gehry, Gehry Partners and Yasu Toyota, Nagata Acoustics (the same team that collaborated on the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles) to bring to life a space that blends concert hall, theatre, global stage, and teaching facility into a single, large-scale concert and projection hall.
The 757-seat interactive concert hall is wired with Internet2 technology, a nearly 360-degree video projection and advanced audio systems, which allow the space to connect virtually with other concert halls, classrooms and arts facilities around the world. Its high-end performance lighting integrates subtle shifts of light, mood, and colour within the complex technological system desired by the New World Symphony, reflecting the power of classical music to communicate and connect.
Benton Delinger, project manager and principal in charge for Theatre Projects, said, "The New World Centre offers a new and powerful example of what it means to blend classical music and modern technology in a single environment that encourages music appreciation through the use of hi-tech multimedia and visual components and making it more accessible to young musicians around the world."
Taking a cue from the Walt Disney Concert Hall's orchestra platform, Theatre Projects designed a 10-lift system that can transform the room into 14 different performance configurations. When combined with the telescopic seating, also designed by Theatre Projects, the room can become a flat floor space for alternative performances and events. Theatre Projects also provided a large control room that accommodates the broadcast and video infrastructure with lighting video and audio suites for the staff and a wireless cable pathway to allow for external broadcast capabilities into the two-and-a-half acre public park.
The Grand Opening Ceremony is scheduled to take place today and the opening concert takes place on Wednesday, 26 January, conducted by New World Symphony founder and artistic director, Michael Tilson Thomas.
(Jim Evans)
