Accolades
Legendary violin virtuoso Isaac Stern chose one word to describe the Chan Shun Concert Hall's acoustics: excellent.
The concert hall is not the only Chan facility to win admirers: the entire building has been lauded for its architectural design, acoustics and other technical amenities. Here is a sampling of its compliments and achievements:
The Artists
"The Chan Centre...has the rare distinction of being one of the world's greatest concert halls...[We had] been searching for a deepness and a life to our sound, which we found [here]...What a great accomplishment to...build a concert hall where music seems more alive than ever!"
David Harrington, Artistic Director/Violinist
Kronos Quartet
"I had a wonderful experience at the Chan Centre, where the warmth of the hall matches the warmth of the audience."
Renée Fleming
"The Chan Shun [Concert] Hall in Vancouver is marvellous. It's a great addition to [a] beautiful city."
András Schiff, pianist
"I hope you're enjoying this hall as much as we are."
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra member
The Critics
"Vancouver's new cultural mecca..."
TIME Magazine
"One of the most architecturally innovative and musically rewarding performance spaces in Canada."
The Globe and Mail
"One of the most acoustically exquisite halls in North America."
The Vancouver Sun
"Vancouver's Chan Centre basks in styling and clarity of sound..."
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"As the first notes of [Vivaldi's] Spring Concerto flooded softly into the hall, with its curvy banks of blond wood, it was like hearing Vivaldi's music for the first time."
The Georgia Straight
The Awards
- The Georgia Straight - Best of Vancouver 2000, 1999
Best New Building Award - Second Runner Up - The Georgia Straight - Best of Vancouver 2000
"Bathroom to die for..." Award - Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute - 2000
Design Award for Structures & Building - Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Medal for Architecture - 1998
Award for Setting, Interior and Exterior Design - The United States Institute of Theatre Technology Merit Award - 1998
Award for Best Overall Architectural Design and Concept - Illuminating Engineering Society - BC Pacific Northwest Regional Vision Award - 1998
Provincial Award for Best Interior Lighting Design - Illuminating Engineering Society - Edwin F. Guth International Memorial Award of Excellence - 1998
International Award for Best Interior Lighting Design - The Georgia Straight - Best of Vancouver 1997
Best New Theatre - Canadian Institute of Steel Construction - 1997
BC Steel Design Award for Outstanding Steel Structure, in recognition of the Chan's acoustic canopy