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February 10, 2007

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts: Tour

On Saturday, February 10th at 11 a.m., the MIT Club will meet in the reception area inside the front door at the Kimmel Center for a special behind-the-scenes visit to the Center to learn about the engineering, architectural, and management decisions that lead to a good concert.

Verizon Hall is shaped like a cello with no columns to interfere with the view. To compensate for the lack of columns, great imagination was used to make the building work. Architect Rafael Vinoly has developed end walls of multi sheets of glass panels that can move as much as 32 inches in the wind since they are anchored only at the roof truss.

The hall acts like a musical instrument, reverberating and reflecting sounds to enhance the acoustics. The hall is finished in mahogany. Doors lining the side walls can be opened into large, empty rooms that act as reverberation chambers to “enlarge” the sound. A three-part moveable canopy suspended over the stage holds spotlights and can be positioned to redirect sound coming from the stage – shades of Einstein’s “String Theory.” The Kimmel will provide guides with preference given to physics majors.

The group will have a sneak preview of an upcoming organ recital when visiting the Performance Hall where we are a very select audience for an organ program rehearsal.

There will be a special lunch served at the Center for your enjoyment.

Date: Saturday, February 10, 2007

Time: 11:00 AM

Location: Kimmel Center
         260 South Broad Street on the Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia
         On the southwest corner of Broad & Spruce Streets
         Phone: 215-790-5800
         Directions & Parking

Cost: $22 for Members and their guests, $30 for non-members and their guests

Registration, on-line: via MIT Infinite Connection:
https://alum.mit.edu/smarTrans/user/Register.dyn?eventID=10097&groupID=158

For Questions: Jim Gassaway, 610-328-5583

Posted by webmaster at February 10, 2007 11:00 AM