Theatrical and Lighting Systems and Sound Support Improved in Five Year Multi-Phased Project

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 22, 2001) The theatre consulting firm of Auerbach + Associates, San Francisco and New York, today announced completion of a major theatrical renovation of the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

The complex and large-scope renovation, completed over a five-year period, included the technical design for a new overstage rigging and acoustical canopy, major upgrades to the sound reinforcement system and audio/video wiring, as well as a new theatrical lighting system, three new motorized lifts and other theatrical support systems.

Under the baton of Music Director Yuri Termikanov, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has attracted the attention of music lovers and critics around the world -- and now has a home to match its musical achievement.

The $11,000,000 renovation of the 2,400-seat concert hall, which began in 1997, progressed in multiple phases so the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra could continue to perform on its regular season schedule.

"What was challenging about this project was that we accomplished it without having to shut down the Meyerhoff," said S. Leonard Auerbach, founder of Auerbach + Associates, and Principal-in-Charge of the renovation. "The work was performed during various breaks in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's production schedule and it was quite an elaborate undertaking, requiring great co-ordination between the different disciplines."

The Auerbach design team included S. Leonard Auerbach, Principal Designer; Steven Friedlander, Principal-in-Charge; Paul Garrity, Principal-in-Charge for the sound and video communication systems; Grace Gavin, Project Manager; and Daniel Mei, Systems Designer.

The design architect and engineering firm was RTKL. The Acoustics Consultant was Kirkegaard & Associates.

The Over-stage Canopy and Loudspeaker Array

A major portion of the renovation was music-driven, and focused on the needs of both the audience as well as the musicians for sound and acoustical clarity. Auerbach + Associates provided design and technical support for acoustical upgrades, following the requirements of the acoustics guidelines set by Larry Kirkegaard of Kirkegaard & Associates. Auerbach + Associates also designed new performance sound systems tailored to the room.

The distribution of sound within the Meyerhoff Hall is a challenge because of the auditorium's architectural complexity. There are no 90-degree angles or flat walls inside the Hall; instead the room features wraparound, multi-level balconies that step down in two levels. The Hall was designed for a natural acoustic environment and refining the clarity of the sound was an important goal of the project, especially since the Orchestra's varied modern repertoire called for more acoustical flexibility within the Hall.

A central feature of the Meyerhoff renovation is a new acoustical canopy suspended from the ceiling, which is adjustable for acoustic symphony performances. The canopy consists of individually tunable modular reflector panels suspended in rows above the stage. Each row may be raised or lowered manually and tilted in any direction, to allow the acoustics consultant to easily "tune" the ceiling.

Auerbach + Associates designed the rigging for the canopy, and designed a loudspeaker array that drops down through the canopy for amplified presentations. The loudspeaker array enables everyone in the hall, from the musicians on the stage to the audience in the last row of the balcony, to hear the spoken word clearly and distinctly. The array's uses range from announcements at the beginning of a symphony concert or program notes delivered by the conductor during the performance to music reinforcement for jazz and pop events. The array design also provides monitoring for the orchestra when necessary -- integrated within the array is one loudspeaker that points down and back so the orchestra players can hear what the conductor is saying to the audience.

The loudspeaker array is automatically whisked back up and the canopy closed before the music begins. The array is integrated within the architectural design parameters of the canopy, making it visually unobtrusive.

"We were very happy with the successful integration of the technical elements with the Architecture. With all of the gear above the ceiling in the attic, the suspension of the canopy, lighting and loudspeakers seems quite magical said Project Manager Grace Gavin.

"With the careful use of the canopy, the main array, small ceiling-mounted speakers covering the side box areas, and under-balcony and delay speakers, the coverage is very even and the sound to every seat is very clear and very good," said Paul Garrity, Auerbach + Associates' Principal-in-Charge of the sound, video and communication systems. "Even if you're sitting upstage of the performers, you can still hear them very well."

Audio/Video Renovation

Auerbach + Associates specified stage-lip loudspeakers within the front faces of both the fixed stage and the forestage extension lift. These loudspeakers work with the existing loudspeaker array to provide additional sound coverage. A newly installed video system enables players and technicians backstage to see the conductor via an automated, remotely controlled camera.

Other A/V improvements include a new sound mixing console and digital signal processing system, a dual wired and wireless intercom system for the technical personnel, and an audio program monitor system for performers to listen for their cues backstage. Auerbach specified a new system of wiring infrastructure and receptacle panels to allow connection of sound, video and communication systems equipment.

Auerbach + Associates improved the listening system for the hearing impaired by specifying a wireless FM system. Hearing-impaired patrons can use headsets available in the lobby, and amplifiers that tie into hearing aids.

Theatrical Renovation

The variety of performance programming established a need for extended technical support. Auerbach + Associates' theatrical renovation allows the Meyerhoff to use its space in a more theatrical way, adding flexibility and speeding up turnover time. The modifications help support amplified events and other performances that don't depend on natural acoustics.

During amplified performances, the stage walls are covered with heavy velour drapery hung over the walls to absorb sound. To further increase adjustability of sound, Auerbach + Associates added motorized acoustic banners made of heavy felt at the rear of the hall on the main and grand tier levels.

For the theatrical support, Auerbach + Associates specified overhead rigging systems in the form of line shaft winches which raise and lower battens. These battens can be used to hang projection screens, draperies, lights, or whatever a production demands.

Concert Lighting

Auerbach + Associates redesigned the lighting over the Meyerhoff's stage to integrate with the over-stage canopy. The fixtures provide increased brightness and even distribution of light for the musicians while reducing heat. The fully integrated downlighting system shares the rigging of the canopy, so the panels and light fixtures are rigged from the same location.

Between each panel of the over-stage canopy, the Auerbach team designed two suspended lighting fixtures mounted to a slender plate that is completely integrated with the canopy suspension systems. The support battens were designed to also serve as the electrical raceway, in order to integrate the canopy suspension system with the architecture.

Theatrical Lighting

A new theatrical lighting, dimming and control system replaces the original outdated lighting system. Before the renovation the dimmer equipment was so large that it needed to be in two separate locations. Auerbach consolidated the controls in one central location and specified modern, compact lighting control equipment. Concert, architectural and theatrical lighting is now completely computerized and controlled via an Ethernet--based lighting network.

The Lifts

Auerbach + Associates designed three new lifts--a piano lift, a stage extension lift, and a rear stage percussion lift. The innovative rigid chain piano lift facilitates moving a piano off the stage quickly and quietly, eliminating the need to roll it offstage through the musicians' chairs during a performance. The stage extension lift uses screw jack technology to enlarge the stage when necessary and the percussion lift raises heavy percussion instruments up to the riser play position.