Perth Concert Hall, Western Australia
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Perth Concert Hall is a concert hall in the centre of Perth, Western Australia. Since its opening in January 1973, the concert hall has been home to top-class musical performances[1]. The West Australian Symphony Orchestra regularly performs at the concert hall.
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[edit] Architectural design
The building was designed by Howlett and Bailey Architects. Jeffrey Howlett and Don Bailey had won a design competition for a Town Hall and auditorium in 1961. Their design consisted of two buildings, one containing administrative offices and the other, oval in shape, comprising the 'town hall' or auditorium. The administration offices, called Council House, were built, however financial constraints and doubts regarding the auditorium's acoustic properties meant that construction of the auditorium building was delayed. Its design was subsequently re-considered and it was not until the late-1960s that a different plan was approved. Architect and acoustician, Dr Harold Marshall, oversaw the acoustic qualities of the building, which was to seat 2000 people.
The Perth Concert Hall is an example of brutalist architecture, with its solid opaque interior, giant projecting roof, and use of white off-form concrete. It forms a counterpoint to the transparent filigree of Council House.[1]
[edit] Current operations
Since 2004, activity in the Venue has risen significantly. The number of days in which the main auditorium was in use has increased from the previous year’s high of 237 days to a peak of 307 days.
This is a record high for the main stage, and represents an occupancy rate of 84% – which is considered full usage. While this is a positive indication in terms of use, the number of performances has decreased by 3 events from the previous financial year. The increase in usage and the decrease in events have occurred through the venue’s firm commitment to providing the primary location for rehearsals and auditions for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), until such time as the Orchestra’s rehearsal and administrative facility is built on site.
There has been a slight decline in the number of performances in the categories of rock, pop, jazz and folk, and a considerable decrease in the number of education / academic / graduation bookings. The number of school and youth performances has increased slightly.
The venue management is successfully working to broaden its audience base and promote the venue to a wider demographic while continuing to maintain the existing clientele and their patrons. For example, the relationship with the Perth International Arts Festival has been a contributing factor. In particular this was the 3rd year featuring the highly successful Becks Verandah. Other ventures such as the screening of the Warren Miller film Higher Ground have also contributed to the presentation of the Venue to a new wider audience.
Non-commercial and non-for profit groups continue to frequent the venue and arrangements are made as necessary to assist them. Relationships have also been maintained and developed with both local and interstate promoters who are integral to the product mix of the Venue.
Despite the increased number of events, the existing permanent staff levels have largely remained the same. There has been a large turnover in casual Front and Back of House staff, which is reflective of the dynamic nature of the current employment environment particularly within Western Australia.
In the financial year of 2005/2006 the main stage was occupied for 307 days. In all there were over 450 events and performances throughout the facility during that period.
A highlight for the year 2006 came as Andrew Bolt General Manager of the Perth Concert Hall traveled to Perth Scotland and on September 27th took part in a twinning ceremony and the signing of a document of Mutual Understanding with the Perth Concert Hall in that city. It is tentatively planned that in February of 2007 Jane Spiers the General Manager of the Perth Concert Hall of Scotland will attend a similar ceremony at the Perth Concert Hall in Western Australia in order to complete the relationship. From the joint association the venues are planning cultural and personnel exchanges.
