Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall |
|
| 1212 Cathedral St. | |
| Baltimore, MD 21201 | |
| 410-783-8000 | |
|
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: Noon-5 p.m. | |
| What's nearby: | |
There are no 90 degree angles or flat walls inside the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, home of the 82-year-old Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO). Instead, the acoustic design team of Bolt, Beranek and Newman gave the interior a series of convex curves to prevent sound concentration. The curved ceiling varies from 62 feet to 44 feet in height, and there are convex plaster discs hanging 26 feet to 30 feet above the stage, further reflecting the sound. In addition, 420 tons of plaster cover the walls to create a hard, sound reflective surface and to prevent external noise. And every one of the 2,462 seats has an unobstructed view of the stage. Sound expensive? It was. That's where Baltimore arts patron and then-president of the BSO Joseph Meyerhoff came in. Thanks to his financial and administrative support, the site on Cathedral Street was acquired, the architectural firm Pietro Belluschi was contracted and the $24 million hall was completed on Sept. 16, 1982, just four years after the November 1978 groundbreaking ceremony.
Since its opening, the Meyerhoff has hosted symphony orchestras from all over the world, vocalists and even rock concerts. Two events not to be missed are the annual gala, a theme-based show which kicks off the social season in Baltimore, and the Martin Luther King Jr. tribute show put on by the BSO and the With One Voice Ecumenical Choir.
--Michael Sachdev
Since its opening, the Meyerhoff has hosted symphony orchestras from all over the world, vocalists and even rock concerts. Two events not to be missed are the annual gala, a theme-based show which kicks off the social season in Baltimore, and the Martin Luther King Jr. tribute show put on by the BSO and the With One Voice Ecumenical Choir.
--Michael Sachdev
