Diamond Schmitt Architects in partnership with U.K. architects AL_A are shortlisted to develop a concept design for a new concert hall in the City of London. The Barbican Centre, London Symphony Orchestra and Guildhall School of Music & Drama are leading the competition, with support from the City of London Corporation.
The Centre for Music is planned to contain a world-class concert hall, education, training and digital spaces, and facilities for audiences and performers to bring music-making to the widest possible audience. “It would be a place of welcome, participation, discovery and learning fit for the digital age,” said the project’s backers in a press release.
The developers sought applications from internationally recognized experts to develop plans for a state-of-the-art building of acoustic and visual excellence. The other firms on the shortlist are Foster + Partners, Gehry Partners, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Snøhetta. The Centre would be a permanent home to the London Symphony Orchestra and host performances from the Barbican’s family of Associate orchestras, as well as performances from touring artists and orchestras in a range of genres from across the U.K. and the world.
The preferred site for the Centre for Music is in the heart of the Square Mile, currently occupied by the Museum of London, which is developing a new and larger site at West Smithfield.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help the Barbican, London Symphony Orchestra, Guildhall School and the City of London Corporation realize their goal for a concert hall to be among the best in the world,” said Donald Schmitt, principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects.
Amanda Levete, Principal of AL_A, said: “I am thrilled that AL_A and Diamond Schmitt Architects have been shortlisted for this ambitious project. It is an extraordinary opportunity to redefine the role that music and culture can play in today’s society, right in the heart of the City.”