News

Space for beautiful experiences: National Forum of Music to open on 4 September in Wrocław

3 September 2015

The National Forum of Music in Wroclaw is the most significant cultural development in Poland and the centre of music performance in Wroclaw. Acting also as the home of 11 ensembles and numerous festivals, including the International Festival Wratislavia Cantans, this complex symbolises and celebrates the historic and ongoing importance of music performance in the city. For both residents and visitors, this facility offers an exciting platform to experience music at its best. The venue will open on 4 September.

The NFM building was designed by Kuryłowicz & Associates Architecture Studio, selected through an international architectural contest. The architect was inspired by a musical instrument – its shape and the façade covering imitating timber resemble the body of a string instrument. The foyer, covered with black and white Corian, brings to mind the piano keyboard.

The state-of-the-art acoustics of the concert halls have been designed by Arup (selected as Artec Consultants Inc) from New York, who were also the theatre planning and audio-visual systems designers for the project. Arup (and Artec) are known for highly acclaimed concert halls around the world including the Culture and Congress Centre in Lucerne, Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay in Singapore, Harpa in Reykjavik, La Maison Symphonique in Montreal, and Bartok Bela National Philharmonic Hall in Budapest.

The Main Hall seats 1800 people and includes the parterre, amphitheatre, choir and three balconies. The acoustics of the Main Hall features signature Adjustable Acoustics systems and can be adjusted depending on the repertoire and the size of the ensemble – the adjustable features of the Main Hall include the acoustic control chambers surrounding the hall on multiple levels), the multiple individually motorised canopy reflectors above the platform and audience areas, and the adjustable curtain systems which absorb sound energy. Sound accesses the acoustic control chambers through motorised panels around the room, which will be opened to different degrees depending on the nature of the performance.

Each of the three chamber halls has a unique character. All three halls have been designed as flat floor, flexible spaces and have been equipped with seats that can be rearranged to enable different spatial arrangements.