“In September 2020, on your first visit to the Milwaukee Symphony’s new concert hall, you’ll be able to buy a drink from a mobile bar and bring it to your seat—which could be onstage, looking at the conductor over the shoulder of trombonist Megumi Kanda,” writes Jim Higgins in Thursday’s (9/27) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Construction crews are working prestissimo on converting the former Warner Grand Theatre … into a state-of-the-art performance venue for symphonic music. The primary reason the MSO embarked on a $139 million campaign for this project was to be able to control scheduling and play more dates in its own venue…. Management is also using the fresh start … to appeal both to concertgoers who want to leave the outside world behind and immerse themselves in music, as well as folks who wants to stay wired and connected.” Milwaukee Symphony President Mark Niehaus discusses details of the renovation, including restoration of the theater’s Art Deco decor, parking options, street traffic coordination with the city of Milwaukee, video screens, an acoustical shell by Akustiks, space for 150 audience seats onstage behind and above the orchestra, and a full kitchen for catering.
Posted October 1, 2018
