14 September 2019United States

Detroit Orchestra Hall Centennial and Sound Lab — public demonstration

On October 23, 1919 the Detroit Orchestra Hall was opened. It enters its Centennial Year October 23, 2019, celebrated through October 23, 2020. The first official event will be an acoustic measurement and listening evaluation using five binaural head measurement systems throughout the hall, with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra playing the 4th Symphony of Brahms. After analysis, two public presentations will be made in the Hall, including a panel discussion and a binaural listening session with ability to “jump” synchronously from seat to seat. Measurements, analysis and presentation will be by HEAD acoustics, Inc. in collaboration with Jaffe Holden Acoustics, the Hall’s acousticians.

The binaural measurements and analysis can be viewed in this powerpoint presentation by Wade Bray.

A public presentation will be held in Detroit Orchestra Hall the evening of September 14, 2019, a panel discussion. Tickets can be obtained by ordering online, but there is no charge. Acousticians present will include Wade Bray (HEAD acoustics) and Russell Cooper, Principal of Jaffe Holden Acoustics, the Orchestra Hall acousticians. Paul Ganson, the assistant principal bassoonist emeritus who led the rescue of Orchestra Hall, two Symphony musicians, and members of the press fill out the panel participant list.