Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall opened in 1991 to immediate public and critical acclaim. With its world class acoustics and a stunning auditorium it is considered to be not only the UK’s finest concert hall but also one of the best in the world. Its 2262-seat auditorium is a model of modern concert hall design and its superb acoustics, engineered by Artec Consultants Inc, New York, are the benchmark by which new concert halls are measured. In 2001 the Hall was completed with the installation of the 6000-pipe Symphony Organ.

Venue Specific Information

Symphony Hall
(Broad Street, B1 2EA)

During ArtsFest 2012 Symphony Hall will present tasters of Symphony Hall events as well as providing the chance for community artists to perform in the prestigious venue.

Availability:

Saturday 8th September: 12.00 – 19.30
Sunday 9th September: 13.00 – 19.00

(Please note that these times are provisional at this stage and may be subject to change).

Stage Size:

Semi-circular concert platform, 23 metres wide and 15 metres deep with a stage height of 1.2 metres. The stage has no risers.

Audience Capacity:

Approximately 1000 during ArtsFest (maximum 2262 when all levels of auditorium are open)

Equipment / Facilities Available:

- PA system with flown loudspeakers (no ground stacks)

- 4 monitors (run from Front of House)

- 10 microphones

- Yamaha Grand Piano (this will be situated on the stage for the duration of all performances)

- Organ

- 75 music stands

- Conductor’s podium and music stand

- 120 orchestral chairs

(Please note that the venue will not have a backline, DJ or projection facilities available during ArtsFest. Groups requiring a backline that wish to perform at Symphony Hall must be able to provide their own. Groups may need to be prepared to set up equipment before the first performance of the day and break it down / collect it after the last performance of the day, depending on the time needed to set up and break down equipment).

Lighting:

- Basic colour washes will be available

Staffing:

There will be a stage manager, lighting technician and sound technician at the venue in addition to a Duty Manager, stewards and in-house security. An ArtsFest Volunteer Venue Officer will be in charge of the venue on behalf of ArtsFest and will liaise with all artists before the event and on the day.

Additional Notes:

The venue has six dressing rooms and four orchestra rooms, however please be aware that different groups will be using these and performers should not assume that they will have sole use of them.

A water machine is available backstage for artists use.

Rappers / MC’s:

Rappers and MC’s are asked that they only apply to this venue if their performance is accompanied by live music or backing tracks.

Venue Access:

Access for artists will be via the ICC Mall. This entrance has full disabled access. Artists with large or heavy instruments or equipment will be allowed access to Symphony Hall’s loading bay on Broad Street to drop this off at the venue. Access to the loading bay is by taking a left turn off Broad Street to the gates labelled Bay C Service Yard (by the canal). Space in the loading bay is limited and artists will be asked to remove their vehicle as soon as they have unloaded. The exception to this is blue badge holders and three spaces are available within the loading bay. Blue badge holders will be able to remain parked within the loading bay for the duration of their performance.