This is a follow-up article to 'Opera Copenhagen' , please read original article first.


The acoustic design of the Opera provides excellent conditions for the production, rehearsal and performance of opera and ballet.

The main auditorium, with which the musical director Michael Schønwandt and the Opera Director Kasper Holten are delighted, includes a very flexible orchestra pit.

Elevators allow 3 pit sizes and there is the option to use overhung areas at the sides and rear of the pit. These areas can be closed off with acoustical panels, which can be reversed to provide local sound absorption or reflection.

A modular orchestra pit rail allows for acoustic transparency or reflection so that the sound from different sections of the orchestra may be more easily balanced.

This is a follow-up article to Opera Copenhagen , please read original article first.

Opera Copenhagen: Theatre planning and stage technical installations

The new Opera building combines classic forms with modern ideas to create a fully functional space for the staging of opera, ballet and other lyric presentations.  Described by experienced visitors even before it’s completion as ‘absolutely stunning’ this opera house is set to take its place high in the list of great performing arts buildings in the world.

The horseshoe-shape main auditorium seats 1472 with a normal size of orchestra pit, has three balcony levels and provides an intimate space and good contact with the stage and orchestra from all seats. Great care was taken during the planning of each tier and with the placing of each row and seat to ensure comfort, good acoustics and excellent sightlines. 

Particular attention was paid to each of the side seats. There are also 100 standing places.

Placed in a unique and beautiful location in the central harbor of Copenhagen facing Amalienborg, the Royal residence, The Opera is an exceptional, monumental building complex.

Designed by the danish architecture firm of Henning Larsen Architects, the project  combines classic forms with modern ideas to create a fully functional space for the staging of opera, ballet and other lyric presentations. 

Described by experienced visitors even before it’s completion as ‘absolutely stunning’ this opera house is set to take its place high in the list of great performing arts buildings in the world.

Zénith concert halls have been a major feature of French cultural life over the last twenty-five years, and these state-sponsored venues for rock concerts, political gatherings, and other cultural events. Bernard Tschumi Architects designed this latest Zénith Concert Hall built in Limoges.

Sarah Wigglesworth Architects were selected by competitive interview as the architects for the studios for this dance company, founded in 1987 by one of Britain’s leading contemporary choreographers, Siobhan Davies CBE.

The work comprises an extensive refurbishment and extension of an existing Board School (1898) which is located in the playground of a primary school in Southwark, south London. The scheme will provide two dance rehearsal spaces; the main rehearsal space is designed as a flexible event space suitable for dance, music performances and the spoken word. The main space will accommodate an audience of 70 people.

Photograph courtesy of Roger Meyer

The Oriental Arts Centre in Shanghai is an impressive cultural project designed by French Architect Paul Andreu.

Its architecture looks like a large sculpture, shaped as an orchid that is opening up towards the sky. This lobed structure allows the spatial articulation of the different venues and their complexities while giving the project an aspect of unity.