Mariinsky II Theater, St. Petersburg, Russia

Object Type
Concert Halls

Client
Kultusministerium der Russischen Föderation FGBU "Nordwestliche Direktion für Bau, Rekonstruktion und Restauration"

Architects
Diamond + Schmitt Architects, Toronto, Kanada mit KB ViPS Architekten, St. Petersburg / Russland

Completion
2013

Expertises
Building Acoustics
Sound Isolation
Room Acoustics
Teststand Measurements

After seven years of construction, the Mariinsky II Theater opened in May 2013 as the third venue to carry on the famous name of the Mariinsky Theater. The modern opera house with seating for up to 2,000 spectators complements the historic Mariinsky Theatre and the Mariinsky III Concert Hall to create one of the world's largest cultural centers for opera, ballet and classical music. The new building takes up the traditional horseshoe shape of Italian theaters and transforms it into a modern theater hall with three tiers, perfect visibility and unique acoustics. Smaller performance spaces, large and small rehearsal halls and an amphitheater on the roof complete the versatility and quality of the building.After seven years of construction, the Mariinsky II Theater opened in May 2013 as the third venue to carry on the famous name of the Mariinsky Theater. The modern opera house with seating for up to 2,000 spectators complements the historic Mariinsky Theatre and the Mariinsky III Concert Hall to create one of the world's largest cultural centers for opera, ballet and classical music. The new building takes up the traditional horseshoe shape of Italian theaters and transforms it into a modern theater hall with three tiers, perfect visibility and unique acoustics. Smaller performance spaces, large and small rehearsal rooms and an amphitheater on the roof complete the versatility and quality of the building.

At Maestro Gergiev's request, no variable acoustic elements were used in the opera hall. The orchestra pit, which can be individually adjusted in size and depth, is the only variable element. In the opera hall, wood and plaster surfaces with an acoustically optimized shape and surface structure result in an acoustically and architecturally harmonious overall concept. The pure wood construction of the floor in the audience area bears the signature of Müller-BBM Building Solutions, as do the other acoustic design elements. In combination with the theater's top-class artists, these elements create an outstanding sound for opera performances and symphonic concerts.

Image Copyright
1 Tim Griffith
2 MBBM-BSO
3 MBBM-BSO