Republic Hall's acoustics

I refer to Fiona Galea Debono's article on the forthcoming Muti concert (June 27).

Ms Galea Debono might be interested to know that at the time of the reconstruction of the Republic Hall after the fire, given the size of the hall, I had included in the design an "acoustic shell" above the orchestra, to enhance and give proper sound value to the performers. However, as often happens, this was omitted from the works, either for reasons of economy or time.

Furthermore, after some months, the acoustic side panels, intended to redirect the sound from the sides towards the seating were removed by the MCC management, ostensibly to make way for two dozen extra seats in the stalls. So much for artistic sensibility.

By way of clarification, the carpeting has almost no effect on the acoustics if the seating is occupied. When seats are unoccupied, the carpeting provides alternative sound absorbtion. This gives the auditorium a reasonable response even when half empty, as is occasionally the case in Malta. With a reverberation time of just under three seconds, the hall is best suited for a full orchestra as for Mahlerian symphony such as we were regaled with recently.

I am looking forward to the concert, not only to experience the direction of the maestro, but also, I must admit, to hear the effects of the acoustic shell which should have been installed in the first place.