|
|
California
Theater |
Photo:Andrew Bales |
This Spanish renaissance-style theater originally built in 1927 was renovated by the San Jose Redevelopment Agency and the Packard Humanities Foundation, reopening in the fall of 2004. Although the prime tenant is the San Jose Opera, other performances include, Symphony Silicon Valley and historic film accompanied by a pipe organ. The acoustical design criteria were based on providing an appropriate acoustical environment for opera and historic film presentation, with frequent accompaniment by a newly installed and renovated theater organ. Design emphasis was placed on historical aspects of the Theater's architecture. However, extensive remodeling of the stage to make it deeper and the orchestra pit to improve the acoustics were undertaken. Acoustical measurements conducted at the conclusion of construction confirm the positive press and impressions at the theater's opening. Early reflected sound is sufficient with the early decay time equaling the reverberation time at values between 1.6 and 1.7 seconds in an unoccupied house. The clarity was measured to produce values in the 1 to 3dB range; considered desirable for opera. The density and intensity of early reflections in the balcony have been found to be at concert hall levels, in part explaining the successful debut of the symphony, despite an on-stage orchestra not having been considered in the design program. |