Studio Seilern create first-of-its-kind concert hall for Swiss village
by Andrew Manns | 17 Jun 2019
– 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.
Andermatt BESIX Swiss Studio Seilern
Andermatt Concert Hall can accommodate up to 650 people Credit: Roland Halbe
The project's developer, Samih Sawiris, called ACH a 'realisation of a 30-year-old dream” Credit: Roland Halbe
British producers Maximilian Fane, Roger Granville, and Frankie Parham are in charge of this season's musical programming Credit: Roland Halbe
Some elements of the building's interior are configured like origami structures Credit: Roland Halbe
18 Dec 2017
Swiss wartime bunker to be converted into world-class concert hall for Andermatt ski resort
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
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