With an architectural reverberation time of 1.7 seconds, the hall suits orchestral performance well, but is less accommodating of other musical genres. Now with Constellation, Svetlanov Hall can provide the proper acoustics for pop and jazz performances including Al Di Meola and The Duke Ellington Orchestra, as well as its magnificent 5,500-pipe organ, the largest in Russia.
The dramatic improvement to Svetlanov Hall's acoustics was immediately lauded by conductors, musicians, and audience alike.
"Constellation makes Svetlanov Hall one of the best in Russia for all kinds of classical music," says Pavel Kravchun, associate professor of acoustics at Moscow Lomonosov State University, curator of organs for the Performing Arts Centre, and an accomplished organist himself.
"When I played the organ in the improved acoustics for the first time, I enjoyed the long, cathedral-like reverberations," Kravchun recalls. "Constellation makes the organ sound richer, and better balanced."
Kravchun notes that the improvements extend to orchestral and chamber music as well: "Now Svetlanov Hall is not one hall but a number of concert halls with optimum acoustics for every kind of music."
Svetlanov Hall's Constellation system employs a total of 137 compact self-powered loudspeakers spaced overhead and around the perimeter of the venue. A unique feature in this particular system is the "active acoustical canopy." It is formed by 16 Meyer Sound Stella-8C installation loudspeakers suspended inside color-matched cylindrical enclosures, and supplies critical early reflections for the stage and front seating areas.
The system also incorporates Meyer Sound UP-4XP 48 V loudspeakers and MM-4XP self-powered loudspeakers, as well as 10 UMS-SM subwoofers, which are crucial for properly enhancing the sound of its organ.
(Jim Evans)
