About

Chan Shun Concert Hall | Telus Studio Theatre | Royal Bank Cinema | Glass Lobby | Great Perfomers Lounge

Named after the patriarch of the Chan family, the 1185 (+/–) seat Chan Shun Concert Hall's acoustics and intimate surroundings are second to none.

The shape of the hall takes its inspiration from the cello. Its blond maple curved walls, which resemble the contours of the musical instrument, assist in providing an even distribution of sound. Audience members sit within this "reverberation chamber," where the subtlest change in musical colour or volume can be heard. Concrete walls are oriented in a reverse fan to reflect the sound without echo.

The Chan Shun's jewel in the crown is a sparkling 37-tonne acoustic canopy, a chandelier-like mechanism that reflects sound back to the performers and to the audience. Suspended on cables, the canopy is adjustable in height to accommodate a variety of groups and musical styles: lower settings are typically used for soloists and smaller ensembles while higher settings are preferred for orchestras and amplified productions. The hall's acoustics are further adjusted by motorized, sound-absorbent fabric banners, which can be dropped from the ceiling to mask the walls.

Simple architectural finishes extend the music motif: cables and frets grace the upper walls, complemented by white maple soffits and balcony fronts.

Highlights:

• 1185 (+/–) seats, with an additional 180 seats available in choral loft above stage
• Adjustable 37-tonne chandelier-like acoustic canopy, designed to accommodate a variety of performances
• Full-sized orchestra pit with mechanical lift
• Motorized, sound-absorbent fabric banners to further enhance acoustic adaptability
• Two grand pianos: a nine-foot Steinway and a seven-foot, six-inch Yamaha

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Designed as an experimental, "black box," the flexible Studio Theatre accommodates several stage configurations, which can be adjusted to meet specific production needs. Seating is arranged on three levels of 12 towers, most often placed in a horseshoe shape.

Thanks to its unique features, the innovative space is an attractive venue for avant-garde and classical drama productions as well as performances by small music ensembles.

Highlights:

• 160 – 275 seats, depending on stage configuration
• Flexible theatre with 12 tri-level seating towers
• Two primary stage configurations — end stage and thrust stage — with several variations
• Theatre trap system to allow stage access in all configurations
• Comprehensive catwalk system for lighting and rigging access

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This multi-media presentation cinema has the capacity to screen a variety of film formats and audio-visual materials. Furnished with cushioned seats with collapsing desk trays, the space is well suited for screenings, lectures and conference workshops. Its separate entrance and adjacent lobby offer an ideal setting for coffee breaks and receptions.

Highlights:

• 160 seats with collapsing desk trays
• Surround sound
• Ability to screen 35 mm and 16 mm film, video, slides, laser discs and DVD
• Fully-equipped for multi-media demonstrations, lectures and presentations
• Separate entrance and lobby area well suited for small receptions
• Wired for high-speed Internet access

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Airy and bright with soaring windows, the Chan's elegant glass lobby captures the tranquility of the forested outdoors and sets the tone for an engaging performance experience. Whether the hub of intermission mingling or the spot for an informal post-show cocktail, its spacious ambience provides the perfect complement to the artistic activity taking place within the venues.

Highlights:

• 18 foot-high canted glass windows to maximize views of adjacent forest
• Three fully equipped bars and espresso counter
• Cushioned benches
• Adjacent outdoor licensed patio area

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With its picture-postcard views and ample floor space, the Great Performers Lounge is a natural spot for meetings and receptions. The large room is accessible to all the Chan venues and to the backstage area.

 

Highlights:

• Floor-to ceiling windows offering panoramic mountain views
• Portable bars and tables for receptions
• Sound links to concert hall and studio theatre
• Adjacent to Royal Bank Cinema

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