Predicting the acoustic performance of concert halls

Predicting the acoustic outcome and acceptance of a concert performance hall by its users could be a difficult and onerous task even for an acoustician. This paper discusses a process of how previous research findings from expert authorities have been assembled into a method of evaluating acoustic hall performance. Several parameters of acoustic qualities and quantitative measures have been identified in the literature. These relate to Beranek’s acoustic variables of performance. Existing famous concert halls which have been previously evaluated and rated are now studies in terms of their results from a computer simulation. The research findings suggest that the use of a simulation program can be extremely accurate in the prediction of acoustic performance of new non-existing concert halls.

The Melbourne Concert Hall

Architects, administrators, interior designers, construction workers and others associated with the construction of the Melbourne Concert Hall are interviewed about the iconic Melbourne landmark. Shows segments from performances by Jackie Love, Cleo Laine, Sylvio Gualdo, Karen Knowles, London Early Music Group, Mondo Rock, the guitarist John Williams, Brian May's Melbourne Showband and conductors Piero Gamba, Patrick Thomas and John Hopkins.

A concert of powers and hybrid regionalism in Asia

With the rise of China the strategic competition between the US and China has gained momentum over the last 10 years and is likely to continue in the near future. To deal with this challenge, Hugh White has proposed a concert of powers in Asia. White’s proposal, however, has not received sufficient attention in Asia and is likely to be a failure if Asia does not take it seriously. This article examines the problematic assumptions of White’s proposal and argues that his proposal needs to incorporate the important role of ASEAN, an existing de facto Asian concert of powers. It shifts the idea of a concert of powers towards a new hybrid regionalism, identifies its key components and discusses how this hybrid regionalism can dilute the strategic conflict between China and the US.

The concert pianist isn’t home

A short story commenting on gender roles with the use of humour