ATLANTA — The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra recently opened their 2013-2014 season with a brighter stage and crisper sound provided by a new orchestra shell in the Woodruff Arts Center’s Symphony Hall. Auerbach Pollock Friedlander, in collaboration with Threshold Acoustics, developed and designed the new shell, which debuted at the start of the Orchestra’s 69th season.
More details from Auerbach Pollock Friedlander (www.auerbachconsultants.com):
“We look forward to hearing each other better on stage, and for our audiences to hear this great Orchestra in an enhanced acoustical environment,” said Paul Murphy, president of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players Association.
The new shell replaces a 45-year-old plywood structure and is designed to support several orchestra configurations from chamber orchestra to full symphony with chorus. The side walls of the new shell are finished with a dense wood fascia which provides better acoustic response by enhancing the musicians’ onstage communication and improves the quality of the sound throughout the auditorium. The new shell ceiling is easily moved with upgraded overhead stage rigging. Performance lighting is integrated into the ceiling units providing evenly distributed light that enables the musicians to better read their music and see the conductor. The lighting also enhances the audience’s view of the musicians by providing a balanced focus of light on the musicians against the background of the orchestra shell.
Auerbach Pollock Friedlander has been working with the Atlanta Symphony and the Woodruff Arts Center on various renovation/upgrade projects and new construction concepts since 1998 and is providing ongoing services in support of both organizations.
