Royal Albert Hall

Selected by

Debbie Wiseman, Composer/Conductor

Debbie Wiseman OBE is a highly acclaimed composer for film and television, a conductor and a radio and television presenter. She is a Visiting Professor at the Royal College of Music, and lectures to schools and colleges about the art of composing music for picture. In 2008 she composed a new Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra called ‘Different Voices’ which was premiered by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. She became the most popular living British composer for the first time, with four pieces in the Classic FM Hall of Fame and is Classic FM's Composer in Residence.
Location

Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
Contact

020 7589 8212
www.royalalberthall.com
Architecture

Listed Grade I.

Francis Fowke, Henry Young Darracott Scott.

Architectural acoustics 2017:

Sandy Brown. D&B Audiotechnik. SFL Group.

One of London’s most treasured and distinctive buildings, since the Hall’s opening the world’s leading artists across all music genres have appeared there. Unlike some refurbishments most of the work that has been carried out since 1931 has concentrated on bringing the Hall up to the standard required for modern venues, for the performance of music, of course, but also the numerous other events that have been held there over the years.

From the very beginning the problem with the acoustics was apparent, and an attempt was made to resolve it by erecting a giant canvas awning below the dome. In 1949 the canvas awning was finally removed and replaced with fluted aluminium panels, then in 1969 fibreglass acoustic diffusing discs were installed below the ceiling.

From 1996 there has been a programme of renovation and redevelopment to enable the Hall to meet the demands of the next century. Many of these are discreet, and were carried out without disrupting the concerts, but greatly benefited performers and audience alike. However, acoustic issues continued.

In 2017 Royal Albert Hall brought in architectural acoustics firm Sandy Brown to conduct an acoustic review. This has culminated in the installation of an entirely new sound system and speakers around every area of the hall including the boxes.
Interesting facts

Since the early 1970s there has been a range of events to the Hall including opera, ballet and classical music, banquets, ballroom dancing, poetry recitals, educational talks, motor shows, ballet, opera, film screenings and circus shows. It has hosted many sporting events – boxing, squash, table tennis, basketball, wrestling including the first sumo wrestling tournament to be held in London, tennis, and even a marathon.
In the late 1970’s when an Abba concert was announced over 3.5 million people applied for tickets.
Resources

wired.co.uk/article/royal-albert-hall-acoustics-renovation

The Royal Albert Hall © Gary Campbell-Hall

I have had the great privilege of conducting and performing in many of the wonderful concert halls around the country. Each has its own individual sound and atmosphere, its own unique personality; and without a doubt, one of my favourites is the Royal Albert Hall. Ever since I first laid eyes on a piano when I was seven years old, I’ve wanted to hear my music performed in iconic venues like this. I went to the Last Night of the Proms when I was a teenager; standing in the promenaders’ section I looked up at the podium and dreamed of standing there one day as a conductor.

The moment you enter the vast space, it’s impossible not to be awestruck by the tradition; the rich history of wonderful music-making that is woven into the fabric of the building. You sense the spirit, the legacy of the many great composers, conductors, musicians, singers, choirs and performers who have graced this place. Even though it’s a large venue, it still somehow manages to be capable of intimacy – even the quietest moments in the music can be savoured. The acoustics have always been a talking point – the spectacular giant mushrooms were installed in 1969, and in 2019 a £2m, 465-speaker amplification system was unveiled which is designed to give the audience the same sound quality wherever they are sitting.

The Royal Albert Hall acoustics © Royal Albert Hall

Checking the Royal Albert Hall acoustics © Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall acoustics installation © Royal Albert Hall

I love the backstage buzz as everyone gets ready to perform in that crowded basement semicircle which rings with the sound of instruments being tuned and tested as the anticipation for the concert builds.

I’ve conducted there many times, as part of Film Music Gala concerts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and most recently as part of my role as Classic FM’s Composer in Residence, at their regular concert – Classic FM Live. It’s a thrilling feeling whenever I step on to the podium to conduct at the Royal Albert Hall – long may wonderful music be performed and enjoyed in this magical space.

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