A sound design: The world’s most iconic music venues
Music industry magazine Pollstar has just named Perth Arena at number 22 on its Top 200 Arena Venues for ticket sales in 2013.
The result puts Perth Arena (pictured above) ahead of New York’s Madison Square Gardens and London’s Wembley Arena, and got Property Observer thinking – what are the world’s most iconic music venues?
The National Centre for Performing Arts, Beijing, China
The National Centre for Performing Arts hosts Beijing and foreign operas, dramatic performances and recitals. The spectacular glass and titanium structure is surrounded by an artificial lake.
Colloquially dubbed “the Egg”, this huge opera house sits 5,452 people across its three halls. The Paul Andreu-designed venue has attracted a good deal of controversy due to its immense cost – construction set back the Chinese government by 3.2 billion CNY (approximately $600 million AUD).
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
Our most iconic building is known throughout the world for its distinctive look. Danish architect Jørn Utzon beat 232 other entrants in a competition to design the Opera House in 1955. The construction and design process was plagued with problems and delays, and the venue was officially opened in 1973.
The Sydney Opera House comprises several performance spaces, including the Joan Sutherland Theatre.
The Cavern Club, Liverpool, UK
Sometimes it’s not size that makes an iconic venue. The Cavern Club, true to its name, is a tiny space which lays claim to being the site where The Beatles first made their mark on the UK. Then known as The Quarrymen, the band were admonished by the management during their first performance for playing rock n’ roll, which was at that time banned at the venue. Nevertheless, the Beatles continued to perform there and made the club famous throughout Europe.
Since then, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and The Who all have performed at the Cavern Club.
Red Rocks Ampitheatre, Denver, USA
The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen have all played there – and with beautiful views for the 9,450-strong audiences, it’s not hard to see why. Located in the Red Rocks mountain park, west of Denver, the naturally formed amphitheatre is a favourite of musicians for its natural setting and spectacular acoustics.
Last year, Red Rocks was named America’s best amphitheatre by Rolling Stone magazine.
Carnegie Hall, New York, USA
Arguably one of the most famous concert halls in the world, Manhattan’s Carnegie Hall has a prestigious pedigree. Since it opened in 1891, the venue has hosted the premier performances of works by composers such as George Gershwin, Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Carnegie Hall hasn’t only entertained fans of classical music – Duke Ellington, Woody Guthrie and Jay Z have also performance in the venue.
jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au