Artec News Update July 2011
from BBC Radio 3 Music Matters
BBC Radio 3 | Last broadcast 14 May 2011
"I must say that the sound is really beautiful. . . . I think it could be one of the best houses in Europe. I think we have to learn to play our instruments again, because the things we do don’t work in here, which is a great thing. But it will take a long time I think and we will have to be patient and optimistic, but at least already everything is much smoother sounding."
- Sigrún Eðvaldsdóttir
The Principal Violinist in the Iceland Symphony Orchestra
"Throughout history, every exceptional city whose name is synonymous with tradition, vision, science, economic relevance and culture has had a great symphony hall as a common focal point. Now Montreal will have a new house of music, and join the great urban centers whose presence defines our international community.
In this public space our fellow citizens should feel at home and together find a wonderful setting open to the exchange of inspiring ideas of all kinds."
- Kent Nagano
Music Director, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
As it stands at the Vienna State Opera, patience is rewarded with a great view
by Arthur Kaptainis | The Montreal Gazette | July 2, 2011
I rejoice at the decision of those in control of the new Montreal concert hall to add standing room to the design. It is a brilliant option for culture enthusiasts who have too little money (or hear too many concerts) to settle into plush red velvet night after night. Read the article
A new temple to Wagner on the Danube, not Rhine
IceNews | 14 May 2011
"We have much more contact with each other -- the musicians hear the stage...they hear each other and we can be much more spontaneous, we don't need as many rehearsals as in Bayreuth because there you must be spontaneous but it is very, very difficult because you don't hear each other," Fischer said, referring to his hall's limpid and clear acoustic. "We can make a bigger sound and have bigger dynamic differences without the danger of being too loud for the singers." . . . This year, Hungary's Palace of Arts, with its splendid acoustics, added a new production of Wagner's "Lohengrin," bringing conductor Adam Fischer closer to his goal of having all of Wagner's major works, from the epic "Ring" cycle to the mystical "Parsifal," ready for annual "Wagner Days" festivals. Read the article
