The Barbican and London Symphony Orchestra have welcomed “hugely exciting” plans for a feasibility study into a new concert hall for London.
Chancellor George Osborne revealed last week that he has asked for a report into whether there is a case for a world-class venue that could be a shared with orchestras across the country.
The commitment came after Sir Simon Rattle indicated that the lack of a great concert hall in the capital could prevent him taking up the position of chief conductor of LSO in the future.
The orchestra and the Barbican, its London home, have now issued a joint statement welcoming the Government’s interest. Sir Nicholas Kenyon, the Barbican’s managing director, and Kathryn McDowell, LSO managing director, said: “This commitment from the Chancellor to put new money into a feasibility study for a world-class music centre that serves London, Londoners, and the nation as a whole is a hugely exciting prospect.
“Culture is ever more important in defining our great cities, and this is a once-in-a-generation chance to explore how we could work with the City of London to create a state-of-the-art performance and education facility for the digital age that offers outstanding learning opportunities for all.”
Understanding of acoustics has advanced since the post-war Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican Hall, which opened in 1982, were built. The Royal Albert Hall dates from 1871.
Behind-the-scenes talks are examining potential sites for any new hall, the cost — which could be £250 million — and other possible uses.
