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Copenhagen's New Opera House Likened to 'Gift of a Stradivarius'
On 1st October 2004 the new opera house in Copenhagen was handed to the people of Denmark as a gift from the AP Møller Foundation. The opera house, used by Det Kongelige Teater (the Royal Theatre), will host large-scale opera and ballet productions.
Det Kongelige Teater's musical director, Michael Schønwandt, is thrilled with the sound, which he likened to the gift of a Stradivarius. He commented: "It is a world-class acoustic that at the same time is analytical, warm and round. Every subtlety, even the very quietest, reaches out towards the rear seating rows with a clear and golden character. This opera house balances the intimate and the very loud." The guest conductors, opera directors, music staff and the chairman of the orchestra are equally delighted with the sound achieved.
Arup Acoustics has been responsible for the acoustic design of the new opera house, working alongside architects Henning Larsens Tegnestue. The project benefits from the latest developments in acoustic design, including Arup's expertise in the use of both acoustic scale modelling and advanced computer simulation skills, coupled with extensive sound analysis of opera houses worldwide.
The main auditorium seats approximately 1500 people. The performance space has been cleverly planned to allow for considerable acoustic flexibility - the orchestra pit providing for differing sizes of orchestra, which in turn allows for the auditorium seating capacity to be adjusted accordingly. The auditorium follows the horseshoe form that has historically proved to be acoustically and theatrically appropriate for opera.
A variable sound absorption system is provided. This uses large areas of fabric banners that extend into the room to reduce the reverberation, providing optimum acoustics for modern electronic opera, musicals and ballet with amplified music.
A series of successful acoustic test rehearsals and performances has revealed that the acoustics meet the client's requirement of being 'second to none'. The space offers a well- blended but clearly defined orchestral sound, with a beautiful string tone and rich bass, and providing excellent clarity of voice. The all-important balance between the singers and the orchestra has been achieved.
The new opera house also benefits from a 200-seat studio theatre and a full-sized orchestral rehearsal room, both with motorised variable acoustic systems. Like many of the acoustically important spaces in the opera building, these have been built using 'box-in-box' sound isolation techniques.
The high standard of project management and craftsmanship on site has contributed to the excellent sound isolation performance and extremely low noise levels achieved.
The stage and associated side stages, rear stage, rehearsal stage and fit-up stage benefit from a state-of-the-art (and quiet) scenery wagon movement system. The main stage has three elevators, and there are also three elevators in the orchestra pit.
The first public performances will be held in January 2005.
5th October 2004
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