The curtains may finally close on the epic project of constructing Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie. On June 30th, the construction company Hochtief turned over the keys of the infamous concert hall to the city of Hamburg. It is expected to be one of the 10 best concert halls in the world.
Located in the historic Sandtorhafen of the HafenCity neighborhood, the site of the concert hall was part of Hamburg’s historic harbor for centuries.
“The home stretch”
“We’re finally on the home stretch,” says the facility’s general manager Christoph Lieben-Seutter.
Construction began nearly 10 years ago. It was scheduled to be completed in 2010—yep, 7 years ago. It was 10 times more expensive than originally planned. Initial estimates began at around 77 million euros. The final cost? Nearly 790 million euros.
Final touches to the project will be completed in the coming weeks, and the entire complex will undergo a final inspection on October 31st of this year.
The NDR (North German Broadcasting) Elbphilharmonie Orchestra will begin rehearsals there in late summer with principle conductor Thomas Hengelbrock. The concert halls opening concerts—to be held January 11 and 12, 2017—are already sold out.
A work of art
The concert hall is completely unique, down to the last details. The walls are covered with 10,000 precision cut gypsum fiber panels, designed by architect Jacques Herzog—called the “white skin”.
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Each of the panels have been individually molded by high-tech computers, creating a unique wall lining. Combined with the expansive reflected in the center of the vaulted ceiling, the panels project sound into each corner of the structures—to guarantee an optimal listening experience from each of the 2,150 seats.
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The Grand Hall has been constructed based on a “wine terrace” model, with rows of seats arranged in an amphitheater shape. Yasuhisa Toyota, considered one of the world’s best acoustical engineers, was in charge of the acoustic model. He carefully calculated the acoustics of the Grand Hall used computerized 3-D models.
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Elbphilharmonie: a multi-use building
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Inside of the Elbphilharmonie, you will find more than just a concert hall. There are in fact two concert halls—one recital hall for more intimate concerts and the Grand Hall. As well, a luxury hotel, The Westin Hamburg, located on the upper east part of the building, with 244 rooms and suits, a restaurant, bar, spa and event facilities. For those looking for a more permanent place, there will also be 45 spacious apartments featuring glass fronts and balconies which give residents unparalleled views of the Elbe River, harbor and inner city.
What are you waiting for? Book you tickets now!
