New Concert Hall by Frank Gehry Coming to Downtown LA
A new concert hall, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, is under construction in downtown Los Angeles. This smaller venue is set to complement Gehry’s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall and is expected to open in September 2027.
Key Features of Kohl Hall
- Name and Design: The 1,000-seat concert hall will be named after philanthropists Terri and Jerry Kohl and feature an in-the-round design, allowing for an intimate atmosphere between performers and the audience.
- Architectural Details: Elements of the design are already visible, with an emphasis on creating an immersive experience for artists and viewers. Gehry’s chief of staff, Meaghan Lloyd, noted that the goal is to enhance the connection between the audience and performers.
- Capacity and Use: The hall will host Colburn’s symphony orchestra and various music groups, and it will be available for external events, expecting over 200 performances annually.
Additional Facilities
- Dance Center: The venue will include a new Dance Center, expanding facilities for Colburn’s Trudl Zipper Dance Institute and featuring a theater and multiple dance studios.
- Acoustic Design: Japanese acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, known for working with Gehry on his concert halls, will ensure top-notch sound quality. Acoustical features include steel “clouds” designed to enhance sound and aesthetics.
Strategic Location and Significance
The concert hall’s size is seen as a valuable addition to Los Angeles’s concert venue landscape, bridging the gap between larger venues like Disney Concert Hall and the Herbert Zipper Concert Hall.
With its unique design and acoustic enhancements, Kohl Hall promises to be a significant cultural addition to the city, expected to elevate the performing arts experience.
