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The Heinz Hall auditorium can seat a maximum of 2,661 people.
Its design is the same rococo architecture featured in the lobby,
but the original auditorium also had many 3-dimensional fleur-de-lis
and gargoyles that were removed because of their detrimental
effect on the acoustics in the hall. |
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The elegant interior features 12 chandeliers that were designed
by J. & L. Lobmeyr of Vienna, the designers of the magnificent
chandeliers at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York and at
Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. They are valued at $225,000
each. |
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There are three levels of the auditorium. The floor level
includes the Orchestra seating. The first balcony includes the
Stage Boxes and the Grand Tier. The second balcony includes the
Dress Circle, Family Circle, and Gallery seats. |
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The stage was redesigned as part of the $6.5 million remodeling
of 1995, improving it both aesthetically and acoustically. The
back wall can be moved back to create more stage area, as when
the Mendelssohn Choir joins the PSO in a performance. The front
part of the stage is on a hydraulic lift that can be lowered
11 feet to create an orchestra pit that accommodates up to 70
musicians. This moving portion is also used to raise and lower
pianos for piano solos during a concert.
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