In Thursday’s (11/29) New York Times, Robin Pogrebin writes, “Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic are planning a radical re-envisioning of Avery Fisher Hall that will require the orchestra to relocate for two seasons and aims to redefine what it means to be a concert hall at a time of challenging orchestra economics and changing audience habits. Rather than proceed with a previous redesign plan, which has been stalled for years, officials said they would solicit new architectural proposals to overhaul the building, which remained conspicuously untouched while the rest of Lincoln Center was transformed over the last decade. The renovations are intended to improve the hall’s lackluster acoustics, replace outdated patron amenities and reconfigure the auditorium. Construction is not expected to start before 2017. … Lincoln Center, which owns and operates the hall, and the Philharmonic say they are pressing forward with renewed confidence, buoyed in part by the warm reception that has been given to the $1.2 billion rejuvenation of the rest of the campus, which was designed by Diller, Scofidio & Renfro and completed this fall. … Lincoln Center officials said that the latest progress on Avery Fisher has been made possible in part because of the Philharmonic’s new leadership, including [Philharmonic Executive Director Matthew] VanBesien, as well as Gary W. Parr, the board chairman, and Alan Gilbert, the music director.”
Posted November 29, 2012
