On the Open Day, it was rather fun to be allowed onto the stage in St George's Hall to view the auditorium from that angle. It has three levels of seating: Stalls, Dress Circle and the Grand Tier, fondly known as 'the gods'. I remember watching Emerson, Lake and Palmer from way up in 'the gods', and marvelling at the lighting and pyrotechnics.
The stage can, I think, be dismantled to reveal the original pipe organ behind it (see below) and to make space for a full orchestra. The hall's acoustics are renowned for being marvellous. One of my fondest memories is of a large Christian gathering here some years ago. A packed hall, all singing that wonderful hymn 'Crown Him with many crowns' was a spine-tingling experience.
The original details have been preserved as much as possible: the decorated ceiling and plasterwork in the auditorium and the mosaic floor in the downstairs lobby, now a smart café/bar. Hopefully, the money they've spent will enable the Hall to continue as 'The People's Palace' for many generations to come.
That would have been a fun Open Day Building to visit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrill to explore that place and get up on the stage!
ReplyDeleteI hope that Keith Emerson was not let loose on that organ, it doesn't look as though it was built to have knives stuck into the keys! What a splendid building though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful space!
ReplyDelete