Big changes planned for New York’s Avery Fisher Hall

Big changes appear to be in store for Avery Fisher Hall, one of the country’s most prominent classical music venues. The New York Times has reported that the hall, at Lincoln Center, is scheduled to undergo major renovations and a redesign that would require the New York Philharmonic to relocate for two seasons.

The planned renovations would not take place earlier than 2017, according to the report.

PHOTOS: Arts and culture in photos by The Times

Lincoln Center recently completed a major renovation with the firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The renovation included changes to Alice Tully Hall, the David H. Koch Theater and other parts of the campus. But they did not include Avery Fisher.

The plans for Avery Fisher may seem like a long way off, but orchestras often plan their seasons years in advance. The construction project would mean the New York Philharmonic will have to find temporary space elsewhere in the city.

The report in the New York Times said officials declined to name the designer of the project.

Avery Fisher Hall debuted in 1962 as the Philharmonic Hall. It was renamed in 1973 after one of the orchestra’s leading patrons, who donated $10 million to the organization. It is the home of the New York Philharmonic and is frequently seen on the orchestra’s television broadcasts on PBS.

The hall has been renovated in the past, including a major overhaul in 1976. The hall’s acoustics have long been problematic for critics and classical-music aficionados.

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