Acoustic Venues Vol. II

Opera Houses • Concert Halls • Open Air Stages • Conference Centers • Temporary Venues • Cinemas • Studios

www.MuellerBBM.com

Sound meets Stage

Acoustic Interaction between Architecture and Technology

Operas, concerts, theater, musicals, films and lectures all require the appropriate venues in which to be presented and, in addition to the visual, also to impart the desired acoustic experience. This is where Müller-BBM focuses its expertise.

Competent and Experienced

In close collaboration with our clients we have been successfully fulfilling the highest demands of high-quality acoustic venues for over five decades. Worldwide. Wide ranging professional knowledge, modern methods and the personal dedication of all of our employees enable us to develop the optimal solution, individually and with sensitivity for each and every project.

The center of our consulting services is always the initial creative idea, the architect’s individual concept. This is where we concentrate our capabilities and skills.

Excellent acoustic venues capable of offering brilliant auditive experiences can only be created through the interaction of unique architecture, innovative technology and outstanding acoustics.

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Wide Range of Services, Modern Work Structures

Whether working with government departments or private investors, architects or musicians, we always pursue the common goal: the best possible realization of the desired acoustic standards within the allocated time frame and financial budget.

Müller-BBM is your professional partner from the start of the project through to final completion and inaugu-ration. In practical terms, from feasibility studies to pre-liminary design. We support you in the design, technical planning and specification of sound systems, media and studio equipment. We work with room acoustic compu-ter simulation systems, scale-model analysis and laboratory measurements in our own testing facilities. We perform site supervision as well as final hand-over control checks and assist with initial operation and rehearsals. And much, much more!

Sounds good? Then keep on reading.

In this brochure we would like to present various recent examples of our work. Delve into the world of acoustic venues, experience new and interesting backgrounds and discover the acoustic qualities of some of our selected pro-jects.

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Historical Importance

Responsible Modernization

Altering, extending or renovating existing constructions is usually associated with a complete modernization of the technical systems. Through careful consideration and treatment of the historic conditions we are able to create historically authentic reconstructions of the highest possible technical standard and provide an unadulterated sound experience, such as is expected by performers and public alike.

Teatro di San Carlo, Naples I 2010

Planned by the architects Giovanni Antonio Medrano and Angelo Carasale and opened in 1737, this is the oldest opera house in Europe still in use. San Carlo is conside-red to be one of the finest classical tiered theaters world- wide, in addition to possessing excellent acoustic qualities. These acoustic conditions could even be improved by the restoration of all surfaces in the theater, the addition of air conditioning to enhance audience comfort and new stage equipment. One unique aspect is the painted canvas ceiling mounted on a flat wooden ceiling structure which, compared with the more commonly used domed roof, provides an ideal, continuous sound reflecting element for the auditorium.

Felsenreitschule, Salzburg I 2011

The historic arcades in natural rock behind and the modern mobile roof construction above causes the Felsenreitschule in Salzburg’s famous theater district to hold a unique position among the great opera houses of the world. The entire wall and ceiling surfaces were rebuilt within a renovation period of only seven months. The previous stage membrane roof was replaced by a solid, weather-proof construction with massive retractable telescopic elements. The high expectations of the Salz-burg Festival were thus not only met, but exceeded by the new acoustic design – surely a factor to further enhance the international reputation of the venue.

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Cuvilliés Theater, Munich I 2008

The Cuvilliés Theater, located in the so-called apothecary court near the Munich Residence, was originally built in 1753 and is recognized as the most representative roco-co theater in Germany. It is currently used as one of the locations for the Bavarian State Opera, for high profile events like the presentation of the Bavarian Film Prize and as a museum. As part of the comprehensive restoration of this heritage listed theater, the entire stock of technical equipment was brought up to the latest standard and the orchestra pit was extended. The historical Comité Court also benefited from a new glass roof with integrated room acoustic facilities allowing it to be used for events irres-pective of weather conditions.

Bolshoi Theater, Moscow I 2011

The Bolshoi Theater in the center of Moscow, with brick-work originating from three different eras, had deteriorated to such an extent that at the start of the new millennium a complete overhaul was considered necessary. The tech-nical and constructional modernization, in addition to the historical and acoustic reconstruction, required six years of intensive interaction with the theater establishment and building fabric. In order to ensure a first-class sound experience for the audience of 1,700, it was necessary to acoustically optimize all surfaces in the auditorium – from the wall surfaces to the seat furnishings – and to renew the entire technical equipment. The enthusiasm of the orchestra’s artistic director Alexander Shanin knew no bounds at the grand opening gala performance, “Every-body has had doubts about how the auditorium would sound after the reconstruction. But when the orchestra first started to play after this long time, the sound was brilliant, clear and precise.”

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Far Eastern Culture

Perfect Pitch in Futuristic Shell

With the rapid growth of the Chinese mega-cities and the associated social development of the Chinese population, the demand for cultural diversity has grown correspondingly. We support clients and planners in realizing monumental cultural complexes – often of extraordinary architectural quality – and creating the acoustic conditions necessary for an extensive range of varied functions operating under a single roof.

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Tianjin Grand Theater, China I 2012

Tianjin is the center of one of the most important indus-trial zones in the People’s Republic of China. Architects from Germany, Japan and the United States all took part in erecting a new cultural park comprising museums, con-gress and convention buildings. The heart of the develop-ment is the Tianjin Grand Theater, designed by gmp Archi-tekten, with an opera hall for 1,600, a concert hall seating 1,000 and a multipurpose area for 400. The three halls are separate buildings yet ordered on a raised platform which is accessed via open stairs. A shell-like roof spans the en-tire composition and opens toward the adjacent lake and cultural park.

Grand Theater Chongqing, China I 2009

The industrial metropolis Chongqing, with its 32 million inhabitants, lies on the banks of the Yangtze River approxi-mately 2,400 kilometers upriver from Shanghai. Located on a promontory with views of the skyline of Chongqing, the planners from gmp Architekten built the Grand Theater with its opera house capable of holding an audience of 1,800 and a multipurpose hall for 800. Both halls com-mand highly equipped stages, the fly towers projecting powerfully into the building’s silhouette.

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Grand Theater Qingdao, China I 2010

gmp Architekten were responsible for designing the new Grand Theater in the east Chinese metropolis of Qingdao which is located between the Laoshan mountain and the Yellow Sea. The building holds an opera house for up to 1,600, a concert hall seating 1,200 and a multipurpose hall for 400. The halls and their equipment allow for a variety of different events to be hosted; from classical con-certs, operas, musicals and ballet to acrobatic performan-ces. World famous orchestras like the Berlin Symphony Or-chestra or the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, which both performed shortly after the opening in Qingdao, re-flect the international standards of this venue.

Dalian International Conference Center, China I 2012

The Dalian International Conference Center is the new re-presentative landmark for this rapidly expanding Chinese harbor city. Designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au, the Confe-rence Center offers numerous event venues, conference rooms, bars and meeting zones in addition to open areas for access and exhibitions. The architectural and acoustic hub of the development is the grand opera hall for 1,600 which, thanks to variable interior detailing, also provides perfect acoustics for musicals, concerts, seminars and forums.

Solid Sound

Musical Enjoyment at the Highest Level

Natural acoustics – the art of creating the best possible acoustics without the assistance of any electro-acoustic equipment – is considered the supreme discipline in acoustic design. We enable unusually formed spaces as well as traditional rectangular halls to produce outstanding acoustic experiences.

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European Krzysztof Penderecki Center for Music, Luslawice I 2013

Krzysztof Penderecki, one of the most important contem-porary composers, acted as initiator and patron for this center for young, developing musical talents. The center is located immediately adjacent to his manor house and ar-boretum in Luslawice, Poland. In addition to the 700 seat concert hall, the musical center provides various rehearsal rooms, a library, accommodation facilities and a terrace for open air performances. In the concert hall, sound ab-sorbing acoustic banners can be unfolded to cover the coffered wall panels which themselves are also mounted at differing angles. Thus there are ideal conditions for in-terpreting both classical and contemporary music as well as for experimenting with innovative compositions, for rehearsals for small ensembles as well as large orchestral pieces.

Tianjin Grand Theater, Concert Hall, China I 2012

The central venue of the new cultural center in Tianjin, designed by gmp Architekten, is a concert hall follow-ing the acoustic design principles of the Berlin Phil-harmonie. In direct contrast to traditional rectangular concert halls, this flexibly formed venue allows a three-dimensional arrangement around the podium with seating areas of varying raking. This offers the 1,000 listeners a completely new and multifaceted aural experience. Strongly structured wall paneling enhances the scattering of sound and contributes to the distinctive acoustic spatial effect in the auditorium.

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Auditorium del Parco, L’Aquila I 2012

The so-called “sounding cube”, as the Auditorium del Parco is known due to its cubic geometry, became a sym-bol for the rebirth of the city of L’Aquila which had been severely damaged by an earthquake in 2009 in the Italian region of Abruzzo. The geometry and skewed placement of the cube – which is slightly recessed into the landscape and seats 240 – were also intended to be clearly legible from the interior. This structure resulted in the necessity for a highly complex approach in terms of acoustics. The opening concert in 2012 was conducted by Claudio Ab-bado as a gift to the city and was attended by the Presi-dent of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, and Renzo Piano, the architect of this exceptional concert hall.

Auditorium Grafenegg I 2008

The Auditorium in the grounds of the Grafenegg Castle is constructed with the classical proportions of a rectangular concert hall although practically no right angles exist. Variable sound absorption measures allow the concert hall to host orchestral concerts, chamber music evenings and recitals without any acoustic limitations. The 1,300 visitors are seated on three different levels, the stalls, tiered seating and the balcony. The stalls area is predominantly planar, similar to those in traditional concert halls, in order to allow various types of usage of this hall.

Artistic Freedom

Perfect Form reflecting Acoustic Variety

Modern auditoria are no longer acoustic venues for single predetermined uses. They are able to play host to a huge variety of differing music genres. In collaboration with architects, and in accordance with the desires of our clients, we develop individual solutions and create acoustically flexible venues.

Johann Sebastian Bach Hall, Köthen I 2008

Arising from the ruins of the former riding school at Köthen Castle, a high-class concert hall has been erected to host the biennial Bach Festival. The rectangular auditori-um seating 400 has acoustically ideal dimensions and is the perfect venue for chamber music, solo concerts and small orchestral pieces. The architects Busmann and Haberer designed the timber wall louvers in such a way that the audience can deduce the original facades of the historic riding school. A fold-out curtain element is recessed be-hind the louvers for adjusting the reverberation times and for flexibly adapting the venue for different types of usage.

Opera di Firenze, Florence I 2014

Not far from the historic town center of Florence is the new music and culture park with three event locations which can be used simultaneously. Now completed, the ensemble accommodates an opera house for 1,800, a concert hall and an open air auditorium on the roof called the “Cavea”; the complex is the new home for Maestro Mehta and his Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. The acoustically advantageous rectangular form – with multifaceted sound reflecting, sound diffusing and absorbing elements which create exceptional auditory conditions – is concealed behind an acoustically transparent metal mesh forming the visible horseshoe shape of the opera house. After the official opening performance Zubin Mehta enthused “the sound is warm and soft, powerful and clear and propagates homo-geneously through the whole auditorium.”

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Teatro del Lago, Frutillar, Chile I 2010

Direct on the banks of the Chilean lake, Lago Llanquihue, stands the most southerly opera and concert house in the world. The exceptional design and the apparently fluid movements of the walls and ceilings have been created out of local timbers from the forests of Patagonia accor-ding to precise acoustic specifications. Concert perfor-mances for an audience of up to 1,180 benefit from the high standards of acoustic conditions achieved through the interrelation of finely structured proscenium walls and the orchestra shell on stage. The Teatro del Lago ultimately proved its unrestricted capacity for opera performances with the successful production of Mozart’s “Magic Flute” in January 2014.

Theater and Orchestra Heidelberg I 2013

The urban integration of the new theater into the Heidel-berg old town center led to the perpendicular arrangement of the stages of the new and old performance halls to one another. An asymmetrical auditorium seating 550 resulted from this arrangement which in turn allows for a variety of different performances. The sophisticated acoustics can be varied and optimized for drama and opera as desired. A highly efficient sound reinforcement system combined with the technical media infrastructure effectively fulfills the high demands of modern theater operation.

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Unique Experience

Classic in Odeonsplatz, Munich I 2011

Since the inaugural performance in 2000, the cultural summer in Munich can no longer be imagined without the annual open air classical concerts in Odeonsplatz. In order for an audience of more than 8,000 to enjoy the music of the Munich Philharmonic and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in the acoustic quality of a concert hall, yet in the historical ambience of the Feldherrnhalle, it is necessary that a highly developed system of micro-phones and loudspeakers be finely tuned and adjusted, creating an incomparable musical experience under the open sky.

Saint François d’Assise, Madrid I 2011

Under the guidance of their musical director Gerard Mortier, the Spanish Teatro Real presented the Messiaen opera Saint François d’Assise in July 2011. The production from the Ruhrtriennale in Bochum was restaged, specifi-cally from the Jahrhunderthalle, with a stage set featuring a 16-meter high cone. The standard opera stage proved to be too small for the assembly of the cone and the ge-neral ambience. Thus the Madrid Arena was temporarily converted into an event venue for the five performances. In order to ensure an enthralling experience and appro- priately impressive atmosphere for the audience of 4,300, a Vivace electro-acoustic enhancement system was employed in addition to various other room acoustic measures.

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Temporarily Effective Both Indoors and Outdoors

We adapt indoor and open air venues, acoustically and flexibly, to conform with our clients' wishes – when necessary even temporarily and with the effective use of an electro-acoustic enhancement system.

Oberammergau Passion Play I 2010

Every ten years the world famous Passion Play is per- formed in Bavarian Oberammergau to an audience of almost half a million visitors. The performances last several hours and present the story of the last five days of Jesus’ life. The actors are exclusively residents of the town. In 2010, for the first time in the 400 year history of the play, the Passion Play was enhanced by a specially adjus-ted and highly complex electro-acoustic enhancement system. Thus an impressive sound quality for both music and speech for all 4,700 seats was achieved. The results of the sound reinforcement system were absolutely natural effects and perfect localization of the actors on the impo-sing stage which held up to 800 actors at any one time.

Abu Dhabi Classics I 2008-2011

The top class concerts of the Abu Dhabi Classics have been representing one of the cultural highlights in the Emirate since the year 2008. One of the three major performance locations, with its shimmering gold leaf clad hall, is the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel. An electro-acoustic room enhancement system was designed specifically for this ex-ceptionally ambitious concert series and installed in the auditorium of the hotel. Thus for each and every concert, whether chamber music or a large scale symphony pro-duction, the perfect acoustics could be created for all 1,400 listeners.

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World of Media

Honed Profile for Special Spaces

Spaces for media productions and audio applications demand a highly specialized approach. We are your competent partner for the selective implementation of acoustic parameters and execute the planning of complete systems and technical equipment.

Center for Media and Communication ZMK, Passau University I 2013

The new, highly modern building for media and commu-nication studies at the Passau University was completed in time for the winter semester 2013/14. The so-called ZMK concentrates on cross-media publication and offers inter-related media and communication courses in journalism, public relations, film/TV and media pedagogy. The new construction accommodates a news room, planning faci-lities, TV and radio studios and postproduction in addition to conference and e-learning facilities with state-of-the-art equipment.

German Film Orchestra Babelsberg DFOB, Potsdam-Babelsberg I 2008

The building which formerly housed the DEFA film orches-tra on the site of the Studio Babelsberg AG has been fully renovated and reconstructed and now boasts a state-of- the-art recording concert hall with associated recording and mixing control rooms. The goal was to harmonize the most modern production technology possible with a his-torical concert hall from the 1930s. The technical connec- tions are such that a recording can either be directed from both control rooms or mixed simultaneously in one. Generous glazing allows one control room to project di-rectly into the orchestra studio allowing the sound mixers and producers an overview of the entire orchestra, the stage and the projection screen.

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University of Television and Film HFF, Munich I 2011

In the middle of the museum quarter in Munich architect Peter Böhm erected a new construction which offers the latest production and teaching facilities available for the University of Television and Film. The building, which measures 150 meters, reflects the shape of Leo von Klenze’s Alte Pinakothek. Staff and students have been able to use the new facilities since the winter semester of 2011/2012, specifically three studios for film and tele-vision productions with associated control rooms, sound and video postproduction, film mastering, cinemas and lecture halls.

Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT, IImenau I 2008

Professor Brandenburg – inventor of the mp3 audio for-mat – and his team of researchers have recently benefited from several new, specialized, high-quality acoustic rooms in the new building of the Fraunhofer Institute. The center-piece of the department is the anechoic room where walls, ceilings and floors are all clad with 1.3 meter long, wedge-shaped sound absorbers. This room is entirely decoupled from the rest of the building, enabling precise measure-ments to be performed without any sound interference from adjacent office spaces.

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Symphony of Senses

Unlimited Entertainment

Whether classic or modern, under the open sky or in closed rooms, with natural acoustics or electronically amplified, we design and develop the ideal acoustic concept for every situation.

Deutsches Theater, Munich I 2014

Originally built in 1896 as music hall and theater for the people, the Deutsches Theater was reopened in January 2014 after a complete renovation. The high-class musical theater seats up to 1,500 for shows and entertainment and possesses the latest technical equipment. Sound ab-sorbing wall panels were developed for the large scale side walls and adapted to conform to the characteristic architecture of the sweeping lighting elements. The se-lective combination of acoustic measures and elaborate media technology facilitates the specific reverberation in-dispensable for modern musical productions.

Staatstheater Stuttgart, Schauspielhaus I 2013

Opened in 1962 under the name of the “small house”, today officially called the Schauspielhaus, this theater has benefited from a total renovation; a rather unconventional venue for an audience of 630 with a remarkably modern visual appearance is the result. Large triangular elements of various sizes are installed on walls and ceiling of the hall for directional sound control and sound absorption. The trian-gular elements eradicate the junction between walls and ceiling. Combined with a greatly improved raked seating, the folded prismatic interior shell of the auditorium pro-vides for excellent speech intelligibility.

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Wolkenturm Grafenegg I 2008

The Wolkenturm is a unique open air venue set in a natural hollow in the grounds of the Grafenegg Castle. External disturbances are thus predominantly excluded. The design of the 15-meter high sculptural structure is based on ancient amphitheater constructions. Designed by the architectu-ral team of Marie-Therese Harnoncourt and Ernst J. Fuchs (thenextENTERprise – architects), the Wolkenturm is an erection of concrete, steel and glass. The steeply raked seating allows exceptional sightlines to the stage and ex-cellent direct sound quality for an audience of 1,730. The sound reflecting podium enclosure ensures strong sound characteristics throughout the audience areas of the open air venue.

Donauhallen Donaueschingen, Stravinsky Hall I 2010

During the modernization of the Donauhallen a new event venue was created for the annual Donaueschingen Music Festival. The Stravinsky Hall presents an admirable am- bience for classical concerts for orchestras, soloists or choirs as well as theater performances, conferences, con-ventions, electronic music events and jazz evenings. Mobile acoustic features, recessed behind blue lamellae structures, provide high acoustic variability. Even the floor of the hall is equipped with mobile platforms, allowing the venue to be rearranged with a raked seating for an audience of up to 400. The stage can be positioned almost anywhere in the hall and in any desired size.

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Complete Solutions from one Source

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Consulting · Planning · Measuring · Expert Opinions · Research

Müller-BBM GmbH is a subsidiary of the Müller-BBM Holding AG with its head office in Planegg near Munich, Germany. Since 1962 Müller-BBM has provided consulting services to clients nationally and internationally and is recognized as one of the leading German engi-neering firms in the world today. Over 400 highly qualified employees combine to form an interdisciplinary team of engineers, architects, sound engineers and physicists with diverse areas of expertise.

The company has more than ten offices in Germany as well as bases in Switzerland, Austria, Russia and China.

Internationally active associated companies are Müller-BBM Vibro-akustik Systeme GmbH which develops and distributes measure-ment and analysis systems for sound and vibration, the BBM Akustik Technologie GmbH which designs and produces industrial solutions for noise protection, and the Müller-BBM Active Sound Technology GmbH which specializes in active sound design.

The high standard of our operations is assured by a quality manage-ment system based on and certified by EN ISO 9001 and BS OHSAS 18001.

PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS: p. 01 Mariinsky II Theater, St. Petersburg © Tim Griffith, USA I p. 03 Teatro del Lago, Frutillar, Chile © TdL, Frutillar I Bolshoi Theater, Moscow © MBBM I p. 04 Teatro di San Carlo, Naples © MBBM I Felsenreitschule, Salzburg © MBBM I p. 05 Cuvilliès Theater, Munich © Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung, Philipp Mansmann, © MBBM I Bolshoi Theater, Moscow © MBBM I p. 06 Tianjin Grand Theater, China © Christian Gahl, Berlin I Grand Theater Chongqing, China © MBBM I p. 07 Grand Theater Qingdao, China © Christian Gahl, Berlin I Dalian International Conference Center, China © D. Malagamba Architectural Photography I p. 08 ECM Krzysztof Penderecki, Luslawice © MBBM I Tianjin Grand Theater, China © Christian Gahl, Berlin I p. 09 Auditorium del Parco, L`Aquila © Nicola Vernesoni I Auditorium Grafenegg © MBBM I p. 10 Johann Sebastian Bach Hall, Köthen © MBBM I Opera di Firenze, Florence © MBBM I p. 11 Teatro del Lago, Frutillar, Chile © TdL, Frutillar I Theater and Orchestra Heidelberg © MBBM, © waechter & waechter architekten bda I p. 12 Classic in Odeonsplatz, Munich © Michael Malfer, Munich I Saint François d’Assise, Madrid © MBBM I p. 13 Passion Play Oberammergau 2010 © Brigitte Maria Mayer I Abu Dhabi Classics © MBBM I p. 14 ZMK, Passau Uni-versity © Stefan Müller-Naumann, Munich I German Film Orchestra Babelsberg © MBBM I p. 15 HFF Munich © Petra Steiner, © Prof. Dr. Slansky I IDMT Ilmenau © Werner Huthmacher I p. 16 Deutsches Theater, Munich © Pressestelle Deutsches Theater, Munich I Staatstheater Stuttgart, Schauspielhaus © Brigida González, Stuttgart I p. 17 Wolkenturm Grafenegg © MBBM I Donauhallen Donaueschingen, Stravinsky Hall © Roland Sigwart, Huefingen I p. 19 Mariinsky II Theater, St. Petersburg © MBBM

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Project description cover

Mariinsky II Theater, St. Petersburg I 2013

Seven years of construction were necessary for the 19th century theater in St. Petersburg’s old town to be enlarged by a new extension. In May 2013, its third venue, the Mariinsky II Theater, was opened by Maestro Gergiev. The modern opera house completes the ensemble of the his-toric Mariinsky Theater and the Mariinsky III concert hall to one of the world’s largest cultural centers for opera, ballet and classical music. The design of the Mariinsky II by the Canadian architects Diamond + Schmitt from Toronto reflects the traditional horseshoe plan of Italian theaters and translates this concept into a modern theater with three tiers of seating, perfect sightlines and outstanding acoustics for an audience of 2,000.

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