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October 26, 2004
Hands off the Edinburgh Queen's Hall!
The Queen’s Hall have just launched an appeal. They explain:
“The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh is entering an exciting new phase of development as the board and management consider the possibility of a new building or substantial redevelopment of the existing site of Clerk Street.
The board have engaged Richard Murphy Architects to develop a feasibility study to consider the needs of The Scottish Chamber Orchestra who are based here and also the requirements of our business to provide facilities fit for the 21st Century thereby improving conditions for concert promoters, artists and the concert going public.”
The phrase ‘fit for the 21st Century’ is particularly ominous. There have been few improvements in acoustics since the 19th century. Most of the world’s finest recital and concert halls and opera houses were built more than 100 years ago. The Queen’s Hall itself has superb acoustics. With 850/900 seats, it is perfect for chamber music, recitals and popular music. It is a historic building, constructed in 1823 and it should be preserved not ‘redeveloped’.
The needs of concert promoters (presumably for more seats) should not be prioritized over those of the public. If Edinburgh needs a concert hall with 1,200 or 1,400 seats, then a new one should be built, though I would argue that we already have an excellent concert venue in the Usher Hall, and what we really need is a multi-purpose national theatre/opera house with 2,000 seats.
Regarding the Queen’s Hall, i will not be responding to any appeal for money until the board and management undertake to maintain the auditorium in its present form and not make any unnecessary and harmful structural changes.
www.queenshalledinburgh.co.uk/
www.richardmurphyarchitects.com/
Posted by Simon Holledge at October 26, 2004 02:04 PM
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