– Kate Methven – 28/11/97
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.