The London Symphony Orchestra’s venue and rehearsal space LSO St Luke’s in East London will re-open next month following significant refurbishment, featuring improved acoustics and accessibility.
The £8m project, which began in January this year, sees the former church’s public-facing spaces improved, with new step-free access, upgraded front of house and hospitality areas.
The main performance space, Jerwood Hall, has also been acoustically remodelled, with new adjoining control rooms for live recordings.
"I’m really looking forward to experiencing the new acoustics,” said Sir Antonio Pappano, LSO’s Chief Conductor. “My first personal experience will be with a series of lunchtime chamber concerts in the refurbished Jerwood Hall next March. I can’t wait for many more full-scale symphonic recordings too.”
Re-opening on 7th November, the autumn’s LSO Discovery programme includes a series of public performances, among them BBC Radio 3’s Chamber Music series, and a new collaboration with composer and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson.
LSO says the improved St Luke’s will enable expansion of its education and community programmes, including work with London Youth Choirs and Clerkenwell Community Choir. The new workshop space in the former café area will allow performances to happen concurrently with workshops and other activities.
“Reopening LSO St Luke’s marks a new chapter for the orchestra, enabling us to continue our pioneering work with young musicians and composers of all ages, and our local communities,” said Kathryn MacDowell, the LSO’s Managing Director.
Funding for the scheme came from Arts Council England, The City of London Corporation, and a lead gift from billionaire Alex Gerko, one of the UK’s wealthiest financial traders.
See upcoming listings for LSO St Luke’s.
