The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's home on Symphony Circle is getting a comprehensive makeover. Managers at Kleinhans Music Hall will soon unveil major renovations, all part of a 75th anniversary celebration.
In an effort to increase comfort and cultivate an intimate setting, new seats have been installed to replace older seats that date back to the late 1960s. Other changes include new carpeting, improved handicapped access and hand rails along the balcony aisles.
Chris Brown, Chairman of Kleinhans Music Hall Management Inc., talked with WBFO about when patrons can expect to see the new amenities.
“We are sprinting to the finish line, the project is on schedule and we’ll be having our first public events in early September,” Brown said.
“We have a few weeks left. We’re about 80% complete with the installation of the seats and we’re working right now on the installation of the carpeting. So we’re very excited to announce that we are on target with our planned improvements.”
After five years of planning, Brown says the new, blue-upholstered additions will be three inches wider and offer more legroom. The changes will eliminate about 400 seats, creating more intimacy for concertgoers.
The hall was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989, the highest designation of significance a site or structure can receive. Brown says the improvements are just part of the celebration plans.
“As part of the 75th anniversary, we’re really highlighting the Finnish heritage of the hall," he explained. "The primary designers who were Eliel and Eero Saarinen were Finnish Americans and so we’re going to be sponsoring works of Sibelius who was a Finnish composer in the fall."
"We’re really excited.”
