University of Southern California, Alfred Newman Recital Hall

An adaptive reuse of the former Allan Hancock Auditorium for natural science – listed as an historic facility on USC’s University Park campus – the 300-seat Alfred Newman Recital Hall celebrates the work of the renowned film composer, winner of 9 Academy Awards, father of the multi-Oscar nominated composer Thomas Newman and uncle of the Oscar winning composer Randy Newman. Auerbach Pollock Friedlander’s work on USC’s Alfred Newman Recital Hall marked the beginning of a 15-year relationship with the University’s Flora Thornton School of Music. This has included the planning and design work for the two phased renovations of the campus’ iconic 1,200-seat Bovard Auditorium and the choral and rehearsal facilities in the 100-seat Jeannette MacDonald Recital Hall and Charles Hurt Choral Lab.

Alfred Newman Recital Hall can accommodate a broad acoustical range of live performances from early music to modern jazz. The acoustical renovation of this instructional facility incorporated new mechanical systems, improved room shaping and a theatre consulting scope of work that provided a motorized variable acoustics system, concert lighting and new seating in keeping with the small but architecturally significant venue.

Architect: SMP Architects and Planners
Acoustics: Kirkegaard Associates
Size: 4,500 SF
Cost: $1,200,000
Completion: 1999