Menuhin Hall Stoke D'Abernon, United Kingdom

By bob

Menuhin Hall

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bob

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Menuhin Hall was built as a memorial to the school’s founder, Yehudi Menuhin. Its aim is to continue his legacy of nurturing the talented string and piano students who attend the Menuhin School and prepare them for careers performing in full-sized concert halls around the world.

AMPC and SSD developed the auditorium form for a 315-seat concert hall in collaboration with architect Mark Foley. The hall is tall and narrow which provides satisfying resonance yet clarity and strength, and ensures high-quality acoustics. The environment has been optimized for the string and piano students’ ability to project their sound, also assisting in accurate ensemble playing among a 42-piece chamber orchestra.

An enveloping form of the hall and traditional materials of timber and masonry were the most cost-effective means for achieving the acoustical goals of a warm, engaging environment. They also contribute to the low running costs.

AMPC designed and detailed the chandeliers, and integrated audio visual facilities – designed by SSD – including a digital recording system, public address, projection, hearing assistance, and flexible infrastructure, for special events and recordings.

Since opening in 2006, the acoustic is considered exceptionally good by the international classical music stars that perform there. Combined with the technical infrastructure and low background noise, the hall has become a favourite for commercial recording sessions.