THESSALONIKI STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The new TSSO Rehearsal Room is centrally located, that is next to the White Tower, and very close to other important cultural landmarks (such as the National Theater of Northern Greece, the Society for Macedonian Study). It enhances the emblematic role of the Orchestra in the cultural life of the city and embodies its artistic extroversion, one year before the completion of 50 years of its continuous presence and contribution.

The TSSO facilities cover the ground and the first floor of the building which have been remodeled accordingly to meet the requirements of a modern Audition and Rehearsal Room.

The lease – development contract was concluded on the 25 of July 2006. The area was at that time in poor condition.

All necessary redevelopment technical works commenced on 26/2/2007. Some demolition debris was removed, damage of the water supply and drainage systems was restored while the previously installed floors, suspended ceilings, side cladding material and ventilation ducts were also removed because they were incompatible with the acoustics and soundproofing rules applicable for the new project. The project progressed rapidly and was completed in July 30, 2007. The building was immediately delivered to the TSSO.

Emphasis was placed on the acoustics design of the new Rehearsal Room to keep abreast with the latest international standards. Consequently, a special acoustic shell with an anti-vibration frame has been installed, along with wooden panels with a special cross section to achieve the best possible sound diffusion both at the main floor and the balcony. Also, low frequency sound absorbing panels were placed at the back of the stage and the surrounding walls whilst curved baffles were installed at the ceiling to achieve optimal level of acoustics in the room.

During the last construction stage, that is June 1 to July 20 of 2007, there were tests were carried out on acoustics, soundproofing as well as on working conditions.

The room covers 370 square meters. The stage, constructed as an extension to the existing one, occupies 180 square meters. Four benches were constructed at the back of the stage which can be used for choirs. The stage can easily accommodate 115 musicians and a choir of 75 persons. The rest of the room is used to accommodate seats for the audience. The balcony allows for an arrangement of seats in two rows and two levels. These newly built areas of the TSSO include also: box offices, sales store, sound recording console area, dressing rooms, offices for administration services, music instruments storage areas, a canteen and sanitary facilities.

The fact that the TSSO members’, the musicians’ and the audience’s expectations were met is the best reward for our design efforts.