What's going on with the Paramount?

It’s been awhile since last I blogged. The number one question I am asked these days is "what's going on with the Paramount?" Well, the answer to that complex question is extremely fluid but I am happy to announce that progress is being made. The construction team has been assembled and there is a very loose goal of re-opening the theatre Fall 2012 (don't hold me to that). The team is very impressive ranging from experts in historic theater renovation, to experts in design, acoustics and flood mitigation.

Just the other week, I met with the acoustician and had a MARVELOUS conversation. We spoke about some of the hall's limitations including stage size, and the need to ensure that more sound leaves the stage and enters the hall. It will come as no surprise to you that the stage size is too small, and increasing the depth is a high priority. Because the proscenium is a structural wall made of concrete, there is little chance of increasing the width. Increasing the depth, however, is likely and will give us a great deal more flexibility in our programming especially when it comes to performing large choral/orchestral works.

What most people don't realize is that the Paramount was not a very exciting acoustical space. From the audience the sound was sometimes dull and distant, despite the orchestra being VERY loud on stage--simply put, not enough sound was escaping past the proscenium into the audience. The last thing I want is the sound experience to be disappointing when we return. We spoke at great length about modern acoustical shells, orchestra seating plans, and reflective building materials that will enliven the sound as it enters the hall.

Increasing the pit size was also discussed so that we could feature a full orchestra for Opera, Theater, and Ballet. Green room, rehearsal space, and lounge amenities were also on the agenda, including a recording studio that would be patched through to the various rooms in both the Paramount and the Symphony Center.

Integrating the Symphony Center and the Paramount was also a very exciting discussion, as we explored sharing a ticket window so that patrons would not have to constantly enter and exit the building for service, as well as connecting the hall of mirrors to the Symphony Center to enhance patron services.

Finally, THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE that we are constantly asked about is seating comfort and space. Almost everyone wants wider, more comfortable seats with plenty of leg room. There are non-symphony forces at work who are advocating a much larger seating capacity which would defeat this goal, and deaden the sound at the same time. Hopefully, our voice (and instruments) will be heard and we’ll get that extra leg room.

Stay tuned, things are just starting to roll.

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