Mid November 97 saw the re-opening of the Auckland Town Hall following
a $32.8 million restoration over a two year period to update it into a fully air
conditioned entertainment complex.
Originally built in 1911, the building's facade of Oamaru limestone and
Melbourne bluestone base is unchanged except for a new grey slate roof
built at a cost of $400,000.00.
Changes to the interior
Inside, however, the feeling visitors now get is one of space and
friendliness as they enter the spacious foyer. A 1740-seat orchestral and
general purpose auditorium, a 500 seat little theatre for more intimate
drama and music productions and a new functions centre now offer the
people of Auckland the best of modern facilities whilst preserving its
unique heritage.
The Great Hall was modelled on the Leipzig Gewandhaus, considered as one
of the world's finest orchestral halls before it was demolished during World
War 2. The hall has now been stripped of the ugly 1970's plywood sound
reflector above the stage and a new reflector made of unobtrusive curved
pieces of plywood has been installed. It can be raised to the ceiling
when not required. In addition the hall has been soundproofed and
reinforced and new comfortable seating replaces the old-style red velvet
covered models of yesteryear.
Opening celebrations
A dawn blessing by The Ngati Whatua Maori Group began the opening
proceedings on Thursday 13 November. Friday's events began with a sell-out
mayoral prayer breakfast led by Watergate felon Charles Colson, now a born
again Christian. In the evening there was a glamorous Mayoress's ball
costing $250 per person. Saturday's evening event, the opening night of
'The Last Night of the Proms' was eagerly awaited by music fans - would the
alterations in the Great Hall impair or improve the acoustics?
Clarity returns
The Auckland Philharmonia and the Auckland Choral Society under conductor
Sir William Southgate rose to the occasion, and Chris Day, the acoustics
consultant,
did not have to wait in agony for long.
From the opening bars of 'God Save the Queen' followed by 'God Defend
New Zealand' and Sir William's own composition 'Town Hall Flourish' (World
Premiere), it was obvious that the sound was superb - all sections of the
orchestra from the violins to the brass were clear and audible to everyone
in
the auditorium.
Helen Medlyn, mezzo soprano, magnificently attired in an outfit made from
Union Jack flags, gave a wonderful performance of the old prom favourites,
'Rule Britannia', 'Jerusalem' and 'Land of Hope and Glory' - and so ended
an evening of enjoyment for all concert goers.
A warm welcome back to Auckland's finest concert venue.
