Acoustics of Philharmonic Hall, New York, during Its First Season

Abstract

Acousticians, musicians, and the community at large have taken a lively interest in Philharmonic Hall, the first building to be completed at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, N.Y. This interest derives in part from the fact that Philharmonic Hall is the first major hall in nearly 30 years to be built principally for concert uses in this country, but also because the acoustics of the Hall have excited a wide range of opinion since the opening, despite considerable effort to assure fine sound on the part of all who participated in the design. This paper presents the original design goals for Philharmonic Hall and, with reference to the goals, evaluates the Hall's history, during the first year of use.