A live audience of 1,200 people is needed for acoustic research, conducted by two scientists of the Eindhoven University of Technology. On October 20th, Remy Wenmaekers en Constant Hak explore for the first time the effect of the orchestra ánd audience on the acoustics of the main music hall in Muziekgebouw Eindhoven. The test highlights a program offering acoustics, architecture and music during the Dutch Design Week.

This effect has never been measured before. ‘Working in acoustics for us basically means working in empty music halls,’ says Remy Wenmaekers. ‘But acoustics are influenced by orchestra and the audience.’ Both scientists are from the department of Built Environment, i.e. the Laboratorium voor Akoestiek. For the test, Hak and Wenmaekers use an orchestra of 80 life-sized dummies that featured before in their acoustic research.

The results will eventually enhance the way audiences experience music. Last summer, the scientists conducted research on stage acoustics. With this research, the best spots on stage for musicians can be determined. The results of this research may also lead to better working conditions for musicians on stage, as many of them suffer from hearing damage. The music is composed especially for this occasion. The test itself takes a few minutes. Sound- and light artist Edwin van der Heide turns the music into a visual experience by using laser.

The experiment is surrounded by music and lectures, all about acoustics and architecture. Chris van Duijn, partner in the international Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) will give a lecture about acoustics in a number of their world famous buildings.* Constant Hak and Ella Braat talk about the special acoustics of the music hall in Eindhoven. The history of electronic music in the Philips Pavilion at the World Expo 1958 is the subject of a lecture by Kees Tazelaar from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. 

And there will be music. At the entrance of Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, Jeroen van Veen will play two grand pianos. The violin player Piotr Jasiurkowski will demonstrate acoustics while moving through the hall. Aart Bergwerff plays parts of Canto Ostinato on the organ. Composer Merlijn Twaalfhoven strikes a final chord with singer Minyeshu from Ethiopia, soprano Brigitte van Hagen and a choir. In the afterparty: the student band junXion.


Monday, October 20th
20:00-23.30 hrs
Muziekgebouw Frits Philips Eindhoven
Tickets €7,50, students €5
www.muziekgebouweindhoven.nl

Source: Press team TU/e