Designed ‘to support the adventurous exploration of operatic programming for new audiences’, the loudspeaker system at the new Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theater makes the San Francisco Opera is the first opera company to use Meyer Sound’s Constellation.
Located in the newly renovated Diane B Wilsey Center for Opera, the 299-seat Atrium Theater is capable of a range of acoustic environments, providing both performer and audience members with a personal approach to opera. Constellation’s ability to shape acoustics on demand allows SF Opera to expand from traditional theatre-style seating to cabaret settings and in-the-round performances, or even edgier configurations.
‘If we really want this to be a gateway for new audiences and an exciting place for new ideas, the Wilsey Center must be state-of-the-art,’ says SF Opera General Manager, David Gockley. ‘Top on my list was a Meyer Sound Constellation system to anchor our acoustic foundation – not only could we guarantee terrific acoustics for now, but we would also leave a legacy for future generations to dream in ways we cannot presently imagine.’
At the press of a button, theatre acoustics shift from dry black box to opera house, chamber music hall, cathedral, or any number of other options. Constellation augments the artistic experience for artists and audiences alike: the system’s whole-room approach to room acoustics helps performers hear each other and audiences to experience optimal acoustics from any seat in the house.
The D-Mitri digital audio platform provides the backbone for Constellation, and hosts the patented VRAS acoustical algorithm. This works in conjunction with 24 widely distributed microphones and 75 small, active loudspeakers mounted discreetly within the theatre walls and ceiling. San Francisco-based Arup provided acoustical and A/V consulting services, with Kurt Graffy leading the team. PCD installed the system.
Elkhanah Pulitzer has programming responsibilities for the Atrium Theater under SF Opera’s new production division – SF Opera Lab. She regards the theatre as an incubator and testing ground for new ideas: ‘With Constellation, I can literally think outside of the box,’ she says. ‘I’m no longer limited by the shape of the room, or whether the acoustics will support a new performance idea. Now the theatre is a real partner to the company as we push the boundaries of performance and create new experiences for new audiences.’
The Wilsey Center for Opera is the result of a US$21m renovation of the of the fourth floor and basement of the Beaux-Arts style Veterans Building, an historic Civic Center landmark that recently completed an extensive retrofit. After six decades as the first home of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Veterans Building fourth floor sat for many years as an underused and neglected space for occasional City Hall offices and law library. Mark Cavagnero Associates handled the architectural work for the theatre and education/rehearsal studio.
The results are an endorsement of SF Opera’s goals to consolidate many of its operations into one location. In addition to the Atrium Theater, the 38,000-sq-ft facility is home to the Bryan Education & Rehearsal Studio, the Anderson Norby Costume Studio, the Braby San Francisco Opera Archive, and a variety of administrative and support offices.
More: www.meyersound.com
