Sponsored by the Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics and The National Council of Acoustical Consultants

Abstract

In 1962 Leo Beranek published his classic study of some 55 concert halls throughout the world . . . ‘‘Music, Acoustics and Architecture.’’ This comprehensive compilation of physical and acoustical data on these halls as well as scaled drawings and photographs so that direct visual comparisons of one hall with another were possible, proved invaluable to architects, acousticians, musicians, symphony orchestras and others contemplating building new or renovating existing halls. Several years ago the Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics at the urging of Christopher Jaffe voted to invite Leo Beranek to update and reprint the book through the Society’s ‘‘Books’’ program. Leo Beranek, in his usual scholarly fashion, decided to do more. He has added many new halls, omitted others, and, most significantly, added a totally new section reviewing the enormous amount of work that has been ongoing these past three decades. The Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics along with the National Council of Acoustical Consultants is sponsoring this reception on the occasion of the publication of this new work. Leo Beranek will say a few words about his recent studies reported in the book and respond to questions from the audience. But mostly this will be a ‘‘first for ASA’’ opportunity to thank the author for his dedication and contribution to our expanding knowledge base on halls for music performance as well as to just plain socialize and talk about concert hall acoustics.