The concert hall in Brno will hold 1300 people

Brno - The new concert hall in Brno will accommodate 1300 people and the stage can host even the largest orchestral and choral ensembles. A characteristic feature of the architectural concept, presented today by the international design team, is duality. The building combines two structures in one edifice. One is massive, consisting of the hall and orchestra facilities, while the other is glass-enclosed and open, intended for visitors.

The first stage of design work - that is, the concept - is already completed. It will further develop in relation to site limits and legislation. According to chief designer Tomasz Konior, the relatively small plot posed a challenge for architects. The proposed building as a whole follows the irregular, roughly rectangular shape of the plot over the completed underground garages and does not significantly exceed the surrounding buildings.

The hall itself has a rounded shape, with audience seating surrounding the stage to varying degrees from all sides. "The large stage offers almost limitless possibilities for orchestral arrangements from solo recitals and chamber concerts to large symphonic works that also feature a choir," Konior stated.

On the roof, with a tiered structure resembling contour lines on a map, there will be two terraces, one with a view of Petrov intended for the public, and the other oriented towards Špilberk, serving musicians. The architectural concept also includes a smaller square in front of the hall.

Konior, a Polish architect and urban planner recognized for the concert hall in Katowice, collaborated on the concept with leading acoustician Jasuhisa Toyota, who has completed 50 similar projects around the world, including the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The structural design is by Petr Hrůša, author of several buildings in Brno.

Members of the Brno Philharmonic, for whom the building is primarily intended, were the first to see the architectural designs today. According to director Marie Kučerová, the reception of the concept was positive.

It is unclear when the hall will be completed. "We will aim to be finished by the end of 2022," said Mayor Petr Vokřál (ANO). First, it is necessary to finalize the project, and then all permits will be addressed, and a construction contractor will be selected.

According to a memorandum from October 1, 2016, the state will contribute 600 million CZK to the construction of the hall, the city of Brno 562 million CZK, and the South Moravian Region 100 million CZK.