Purposely designed to feature the best acoustics of any orchestral rehearsal hall in Australia, the South Bank Studio features world-class recording, rehearsal and performance spaces.
Forming a part of the new ABC headquarters in the heart of South Bank’s arts precinct between the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, the South Bank Studio has varied seating capacity with a minimum of 264 fixed seats and ample space for a large orchestra.
Designed to contribute to the continuing vibrancy of Queensland’s arts and culture scene for years to come, the new studio provides outstanding acoustics for orchestral rehearsal, recording of music and music performance. It allows musicians, performers and their audiences to enjoy a first-class experience with supreme sound quality in one of Brisbane’s most exciting new venues.
Created as a flexible space, the new studio can be used for rehearsals and performances of ensembles from a string quartet through to a full symphony orchestra and choir. Adding to the design challenge from an acoustics perspective, the studio is also capable of being used as a TV studio by the ABC.
To achieve acoustics flexibility, the studio features several variable acoustic features like four adjustable-height acoustic reflector canopies, 30 acoustically-absorptive retractable banners, and a cyclorama track and acoustically-absorptive drapes covering the rear and side walls of the rehearsal platform.
In order to provide a stiffness to get a rich bass sound within the hall, the studio walls and ceilings are decorated with a ‘sandwich effect’, made of multiple layers of plasterboard and timber.
Apart from that the custom-designed riser system built by Pro Stage has been tailored to the requirements of the QSO and provides a solid platform to support the Orchestra’s playing.
