After months of major improvement works and an investment programme in the building of around £4m, Sage One is ready to welcome audiences back this Saturday (19 September) as The Glasshouse launches its new Classical season with a performance of Mozart’s Così fan tutte.
The season opener will bring together Royal Northern Sinfonia, Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia and an internationally acclaimed cast led by Music Director Dinis Sousa, including soprano Christina Gansch, whose recent engagements have included appearances in San Francisco, Zurich and at London’s Royal Opera House.
The hall will showcase the results of the most significant programme of improvements to Sage One since 2004. Around £4m has been invested in a new powered flying system, refurbished stage lifts, automated orchestral risers, a fully renewed stage and upgraded cooling systems, helping ensure Sage One continues to attract world-class artists and audiences.
This week, members of Royal Northern Sinfonia have been working with acousticians from Arup to test and fine-tune the hall ahead of reopening. Regarded as one of the world’s leading concert halls for classical music, Sage One underwent its first comprehensive acoustic assessment since The Glasshouse opened more than 20 years ago.
The testing included input from Ian Knowles, one of the original acousticians behind Sage One’s world-renowned acoustic design, who returned over 20 years after helping design the hall to support the latest programme of improvements and acoustic testing ahead of reopening.
Fraser Anderson, Chief Executive Officer at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music said:
“It’s fantastic to see Sage One ready to welcome audiences back after the most significant programme of improvements since the building opened more than 20 years ago. While much of this work has happened behind the scenes, its impact will be felt on stage and in the hall for years to come. From new stage infrastructure to improvements in flexibility and reliability, these upgrades will help us continue to create exceptional experiences for artists, orchestras, audiences and young people.
We’re incredibly grateful to the funders, partners and donors whose support has made this investment possible. As we look ahead to a new Classical season with Royal Northern Sinfonia at its heart, alongside a diverse contemporary programme bringing together internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent, we’re excited to reopen Sage One and begin the next chapter for this remarkable venue.”
Dinis Sousa, Music Director, Royal Northern Sinfonia, said:
“Opening a new season is always special, but this year feels particularly significant. Over the last few weeks, our Sage One has had a completely new stage fitted in and we’ve used this opportunity to fine-tune the acoustics for the first time since the opening in 2004, with some of the original acousticians who helped create the hall.
This is our home, and the investment that’s been made will help keep it in top shape for years to come. We’re excited to welcome audiences back this weekend for Mozart’s Così fan tutte and to begin a new season together.”
Philip Wright, Director, Arup, said:
“Sage One has long been recognised as one of the world’s leading concert halls for classical music. Following this major programme of works, we’ve been working closely with Royal Northern Sinfonia to test and fine-tune the hall, ensuring it continues to deliver the exceptional acoustic experience that musicians and audiences have come to expect.”
Ian Knowles, former Director at Arup and one of the original acousticians behind Sage One, said:
“It’s fantastic to return over 20 years after helping design the hall and be involved in this latest chapter of its development. The new automated stage risers are particularly significant, delivering improvements that weren’t possible when the venue was first built. They give the orchestra greater flexibility and allow musicians to feel even more connected to the space, the music and the audience, enhancing what was already a world-class acoustic.”
The first phase of the Capital Works programme, representing an investment of around £4m, has been made possible through support from Anne Reece, Garfield Weston Foundation, Joanna and Graham Barker, The Barbour Foundation, The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, Arts Council England, The Shears Foundation, The Squires Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust and an anonymous donor.
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