The
Music Centre
The
size and functions of the proposed Music Centre have been produced
by extensive collaboration with the relevant music departments of
the BBC.
It
will house the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra,
the BBC Singers and the BBC Symphony Chorus, and will replace the
current studios at Maida Vale which are poor both in quality of
acoustics and environment.
The
Centre will also replace the Golders Green Hippodrome, home of the
BBC Concert Orchestra.
As
a music centre it will be regarded within the music business in
London as a vital resource for music, rehearsal and recording, and
will stand out as a first choice for use by third parties in a competitive
market by having excellent technical and operational facilities.
Areas
within the Centre include:
Studio
1
Studio
1 will primarily be the base for the BBC Symphony Orchestra (105
permanent players) and will be used for rehearsals, recordings (both
commercial and internal) and studio invited audience performances.
The
orchestra regularly works with the BBC Symphony Chorus (150 members).
For
performances and some rehearsals it will also be used by the BBC
Concert Orchestra (56 permanent players).
It
is intended that the studio will be able to accommodate an audience
of up to 400 people, and that it will be used by a wide variety
of third parties in a variety of different stage formats.
Studio
2
Studio
2 will primarily be the base for the BBC Concert Orchestra and the
BBC Singers (up to 40 professional singers) and will be used for
rehearsal and recording purposes by both ensembles and for performance
purposes by the BBC Singers.
The
acoustics of the Music Centre will be excellent, including high
quality of sound in each studio, and high standards for silence
and absence of intrusion.
The
Centre will be equipped to the highest technical standards as befits
one of the world's leading broadcasters.
The
studios will be designed specifically for sound broadcasting purposes
with accompanying control rooms and production suites.
Facilities
for commercial sound recording and for film/television soundtracks
will be incorporated.
Other
areas
The
building will include excellent facilities for Chief Conductors,
leading soloists and members of the ensembles: included will be
rehearsal rooms, relaxation areas, catering facilities, changing
rooms, and private rooms with pianos.
Office
accommodation will be provided for the 40 or so BBC staff who manage
the ensembles and the Music Centre itself.
Audience
Provision
will be made for an audience of up to 600 people at any one time
for performances in the larger studio. Facilities will include a
foyer area, catering, toilets, box office, reception and first aid.
Education
As
well as being the BBC's Music Centre, the building will be a focal
point for community activity within the regeneration area of Hammersmith
and Fulham/West London.
The
Music Centre will provide educational opportunities for the local
schools, with the studios used when available for schools and local
performances, and the foyers and studios used for rehearsal visits
and master classes.
It
is intended that there will be good access between the community,
the audiences and the musicians. This will include the opportunity
for musicians to hold private lessons and master classes, and for
musicians to join concert audiences in the foyer before and after
concerts.
A
community asset
The
aim is to create a community and public resource as part of the
regenerated area, with opportunities for public art and performance
in the areas around the building and within the overall complex.
Cost
The
construction cost of the Music Centre is an estimated £22
million.
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