Dubai Opera House Part I: the importance of acoustic design and the capabilities of this new Dubai attraction
Dubai Opera, the city’s latest multi-function space catering to the performing arts sector is a unique venue in its ability to transform into three modes; from a theatre to a concert hall and to a flat-floor form for banquets. It is anticipated that the new venue will play host to some of the most famous names in the world of music and has already hosted world famous Tenor Placido Domingo when it opened to global acclaim.
Prolight + Sound Middle East takes a look at the acoustic design for the project, specifically looking at how the acoustics were modelled to cater for multi-purpose performances.
Theatre, opera, ballet, orchestras, concerts, fashion shows, live entertainment, conferences, galleries and art exhibitions – you name it, the Dubai Opera can, and will, host it, providing the ideal opportunity to further develop the performing arts sector in the Emirate.
Playing host to the world’s best performers cannot be left to chance and so Dubai Opera has brought in some renowned sound technicians and experts in acoustic design to ensure the best sound quality money can buy. Sandy Brown Associates provided the complete acoustic design services for the project and RLP will continue to provide acoustic consultancy services to the venue.
Much thought and expertise went into acoustically modelling the venue as a multi-purpose arena for the performing arts and no stone was left uncovered to ensure optimum sound quality from the architectural design to the interior decorating which was specifically chosen so as not to muffle, absorb or reverberate sound. Sound technicians worked everything out on digital technology before the fit outs began. Detailed modelling of the finishes and sound reflections in the auditorium were plotted out before any interior finishes were executed.
All the variable layouts and proposed venue functions for the performing arts sector posed a challenging proposition for the sound technicians due to the complex intricacies associated with a multi-purpose venue. Elements such as reverberation times, control of reflections, internal sound insulation, noise ingress and egress and sound transmission were all fully considered when designing the venue’s interiors.
The potential noise from building services also had to be considered so as not to impact on sound quality. After all, who wants the air conditioning to drown out or muffle a performance? That is why each individual seat within the multi-purpose venue has its own air conditioning, allowing for the air to be released at an incredibly slow rate, emitting virtually no sound whatsoever.
Multi-function venue
With three venue modes, the sound technicians essentially had three different venues to deliver the acoustic design for. There is no point having the different functions if the sound quality is superior in one setting over another. For example, Dubai Opera can be transformed into an impressive concert hall using state-of-the-art technology and seriously thought out kit. A series of towers and reflectors on stage and overhead create an acoustic shell around the orchestra, enhancing the natural acoustics of the venue making for an impeccable acoustic environment for excellent sound quality.
During the opening performance, Stefano Pace, Chief Executive Officer of Fondazione Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi orchestra told The National that the acoustic design surpassed all his expectations. “The acoustics are some of the best I’ve heard at any opening. I’m very surprised, I did not expect that.”
For other functions, floors, walls and ceilings can be moved electronically depending on the space requirements, and 900 of the venue’s seats can be pushed through the ground and ‘hidden’ in the underground garages below.
Expect to see world famous ballets, operas, classical music performances, theatre and musicals in the line up over the coming months with world-famous Broadway hit Les Miserables and an operatic performance from José Carreras during his final world tour to look forward to.