The 2-storey, 1,114-seat theatre, in a
classical style but with sophisticated equipment, is ideal
for a wide range of performances, including symphony concerts,
chamber music, opera, dance, variety shows, drama and conventions.
The Grand Auditorium has a variable volume
(between 8,330 m³ and 11,800 m³) achieved by the movable acoustic
ceiling (2.5m height variation) and a movable stage enclosure.
For the concert configuration, the ceiling goes up, the enclosure
is installed on stage, and the occupied Reverberation Time
(RT) is 1.5 seconds (middle frequencies), ideal for symphony
concerts and other non-amplified music. For the stage configuration,
the ceiling goes down and the normal scenery is installed
on the stage, and the occupied RT becomes 1.1 seconds, ideal
for opera and other stage productions requiring amplified
sound. The hall's geometry provides a uniform sound distribution;
it produces clarity of speech and richness of sound.
The Auditorium features a stage 18m across
and 17.4m deep, and is completed with state-of-the-art lighting
and sound equipment. Over the stage there is a grid system
supporting 32 mechanical and 35 electrical counterweight bars
plus an integrated collapsible acoustic panel. Below the stage
there is a two-tier trap door extending the entire length
of the stage, suitable for most stage-requirements.
In addition, the Auditorium is equipped
with simultaneous interpretation booths which enable the interpretation
of 6 languages concurrently.