THÉÂTRE DE BEAULIEU, LAUSANNE

REVIVING A LEGEND: ACTIVE ACOUSTICS AT THE CENTER OF A MAJOR SWISS RENOVATION

Amadeus Acoustics' electroacoustic revamping of Switzerland’s largest theater introduces a new standard of excellence and versatility to a legendary hall that for years suffered fragmented and unequally dispersed acoustics.

Since its opening in 1954, the iconic 1,600-seat Théâtre de Beaulieu, Lausanne has served the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, and generations of jazz and popular music greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Quincy Jones. But listening experiences varied for performers and concertgoers seated across the half-rectangular and half-fan-shaped hall.

The renovation project aimed at modernizing the auditorium's architectural features while uniting listening areas across the stage and parterre and above and beneath a notably long balcony. The challenge was to create a variable acoustic setting that would equally serve both classical music needs and the theater’s long-running tradition of hosting drama, comedy, performance art, jazz, and pop music events.

An acoustically reflective wooden-slat ceiling was installed one meter higher than the original. Precise measurements allowed for the preservation of some of the original wooden shells while others were redesigned. Active acoustics were still needed to achieve a natural sound that would bring the hall up to speed for classical performances.

Amadeus Acoustics worked closely with Kahle Acoustics to integrate optimized acoustics in all parameters using the Amadeus active acoustic system. Amadeus’s 3D modeling and precise placing of loudspeakers and microphones allow for optimal late response and even distribution throughout the auditorium.

Custom presets were created to accommodate two orchestras that regularly perform at Théâtre de Beaulieu, enabling more proximity and intimacy for the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne and balanced reflections and more envelopment for the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.

One of the special things about being part of the design and tuning of acoustics in a concert hall is attending rehearsals. Being able to listen to Renaud Capuçon and the l’Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne rehearsing for hours is something that simply brings me joy!

— Fabio Kaiser, Amadeus Acoustics

Sixty-eight years after its creation, the hall was reopened on September 3, 2022, with a concert dedicated to Mozart that was met with a standing ovation for Renaud Capuçon and the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra. The sublime sound quality of the renovated hall was praised by Swiss media, performers, and two directors who were anxious to know what home their theater would sound like following the renovation.    

Antony Ernst, executive director of the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, explained that “the acoustic of the old hall was too matte and complex for instrumentalists, and now we have the opposite,” adding that the retuning process has introduced “respect and acoustic depth, which sounds very good on stage and projects well across the hall.” Renaud Capuçon, the orchestra’s artistic director, praised that the natural sound character achieved through the Amadeus Core exceeded expectations.

Now modernized to the highest standard, Théâtre de Beaulieu is renewing its historic commitment to classical and popular music performances with a deeply versatile new space that is well-equipped to accommodate artists’ current and future needs.