Alice Tully Hall is in exactly the same place as it always was; the renovation was unable to change the "footprint" of the hall within the larger building, or to move walls or even seats. These restrictions make the changes that have been made all the more impressive. The vaguely modernist look of the hall has changed to an organic warmth. And there are all kinds of neat things, like stage panels that can be turned around to provide more or less echo, and stage extensions that move up or down quickly and easily. But those will matter more to the staff than they will to you or me. What's most amazing about the re-do of ATH is the lobby.
[Watch Soundcheck's tour of Alice Tully Hall]
Lincoln Center is putting a cafe in the lobby that will be open during the day and the evening, even when there are no shows on. Clearly they're hoping the new hall and lobby will be an inviting place to hang out. And if folks decide to give this chamber music thing a try and head inside to the hall, well, that $159 million price tag won't seem too high.
Tell us: What do you think of the new Alice Tully Hall, at least as seen from outside? Does an inviting, friendly, well-lit cafe make it more likely that you'll try the concerts there?
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John Schaefer has hosted Soundcheck since the show’s inception in 2002. He has also hosted and produced WNYC’s radio series New Sounds since 1982 (“The No. 1 radio show for the Global Village” – Billboard) and the New Sounds Live concert series since 1986.
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