In Thursday’s (10/22) New York Times, Robin Pogrebin writes that the $107 million “renovation of the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, formerly the New York State Theater, has given the space new seats, carpeting and lighting; an expanded orchestra pit that can move up and down; a media suite in the basement; and new camera positions in the wings. But the refurbished hall, which officially reopens on Nov. 5, is significant less for its physical changes than for its symbolism: It announces to the world that New York City Ballet and New York City Opera …have managed to move forward as roommates. … Each party has compromised. City Opera wanted a center aisle, and City Ballet absolutely did not; there are now two new side aisles. City Opera got its moving orchestra pit. City Ballet got its high-definition video and audio rooms. While acoustically absorbent panels can be added for ballet performances, they can be removed for the opera’s stagings. And while the first row of seats can be removed for the opera, it can be replaced by the ballet. … The hall will reopen with ‘American Voices,’ a benefit concert featuring notable singers.”
Posted October 22, 2009
