It was an enormous honour to be asked to create a world-class performance venue in one of Europe’s most exclusive resort destinations
– Christina Seilern

The Andermatt Concert Hall (ACH) – a 650-capacity arts venue said to be the ‘first major purpose-built concert hall in any Alpine ski village’ has officially opened its doors.

Designed by Studio Seilern Architects and constructed by BESIX Group, the new facility is situated in Andermatt, Switzerland, and can accomodate orchestras of up to 75 people.

Kahle Acoustics were responsible for sound engineering, while dUCKS scéno served as the theatre design consultants.

Speaking on the opening, Christina Seilern, principal of Studio Seilern, said: “This was a whirlwind of a project where we turned what was to initially be a conference room into a ‘proper grown-up concert hall’ for musicians of the highest calibre.

“Audiences can experience everything from solo recitals to full orchestral concerts in equal intimacy and comfort in this exceptional, light-filled space.”

ACH is the brainchild of Egyptian developer Samih Sawiris, who’s called it the “realisation of a 30-year-old dream”.

“Naturally,” he said, “I hope that in time we will bring more culture to the village, including further venues.”

ACH forms part of a £1.2bn (US$1.5bn, €1.4bn) municipal regeneration plan – spearheaded by Sawiris’ Orascom company – to build Andermatt’s international reputation as a cultural destination.

The ambitious scheme saw the town gain two hotels, a piazza, ski lifts, a golf course, a restaurant, and a bevy of shops.

Musical programming for ACH’s inaugural season will be organised by Andermatt Music, a new collective of British producers including Maximilian Fane, Roger Granville, and Frankie Parham.

Swiss wartime bunker to be converted into world-class concert hall for Andermatt ski resort