After its renewal, which has been led by a world-class team of experts, the Concert Hall is now warmer, more intimate and flexible performance space that lives up to the promise of the building itself.

While it might be an international icon, the unusual shape and size of the Concert Hall has meant that its acoustics have never quite matched the building’s architectural status. When you return, you’ll see 18 specially-designed acoustic reflectors above the stage, replacing the clear acrylic ‘donuts’. The acoustic ‘petals’ have been finished in a semi-gloss magenta, complementing Peter Hall’s signature magenta colour seen in the iconic seat upholstery. You’ll also notice a special acoustic diffusion panel has been added to the venue’s timber box fronts allowing for a more balanced and true sound. All of these acoustic innovations will greatly improve the sound in the Concert Hall.

And then there’s the stage – 95 tonnes of new machinery has been installed below it, combined with engineering brilliance, accommodating different performance configurations. It won’t matter where you sit, you’ll have a much better view of the Orchestra than you’re used to – that’s because the stage has been lowered by 400mm. It can also, very simply, be extended into the auditorium or retracted, depending on the need. Before the renewal, if the Orchestra wanted tiered seating, this would have been set up manually – now there are automated stage risers to take care of that and you’ll feel closer to the Orchestra than ever.

On top of all that, the Concert Hall will be easier to get to – a new lift and passageway make it possible for more people to independently access all levels of the Northern Foyer. There will be additional accessible seating, too, in the stalls and the rear boxes of the circle.

The best way to experience the renewal of the Concert Hall, of course, is to celebrate its reopening with us, between July 20 and 24, as Simone Young conducts Mahler’s mighty Second Symphony. See you there!