Suzhou Shishan Grand Theatre

Context

The Team

Acoustic Precision at Suzhou Shishan Grand Theatre 

The Suzhou Shishan Grand Theatre is a recently unveiled cultural landmark in Suzhou, China, designed to host a diverse array of performances. Housing two distinct performance halls, the venue’s programming ranges from large-scale touring symphonies to intricate traditional Chinese opera. The management’s core mission was to ensure the venue’s world-class architecture was matched by equally superlative sound quality, demanding a sound reinforcement system capable of meeting the complex acoustic needs of both the main theatre and the smaller multi-functional hall.  

The Challenge

The project faced significant acoustic and architectural hurdles across both performance spaces. The 1,400-seat main theatre features a traditional proscenium stage with sliding acoustic panels, necessitating a highly versatile sound system that could adapt instantly between theatrical and concert hall modes. This adaptability required a solution that could deliver uniform sound pressure levels and superior speech intelligibility across the ground-floor stalls and the second-floor balcony, while maintaining clear visual sightlines and avoiding reflections from complex architectural surfaces. Similarly, the multi-functional hall required a versatile, high-intelligibility system suitable for both presentations and intimate live performances.  

The Solution

To address these challenges, the Grand Theatre management partnered with L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC). The RAC team utilized L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D modeling software to meticulously model the acoustic properties and complex architectural features of each space prior to installation. This advanced planning led to customized L-Acoustics A Series solutions for both venues. In the main theatre, RAC installed a versatile Left-Center-Right (LCR) configuration composed of A15i Focus and A15i Wide enclosures, designed to minimize reflections and ensure consistent coverage throughout the space. The smaller hall received a Left-Right system utilizing A10i Wide enclosures, ensuring uniform sound pressure levels and unmatched intelligibility across its variable layouts. 

The Result

The resulting sound system successfully integrated into the challenging architecture, achieving consistent, high-fidelity coverage and superior intelligibility for every seat in both halls. The strategic deployment of the A Series maintained visual clarity to the stage while delivering uniform audio performance capable of supporting the venue’s wide-ranging programming, from the lowest 25Hz frequencies provided by the KS28 subwoofers to clear foldback for stage performers. The system ensures that the sonic experience consistently matches the visual magnificence of the Suzhou Shishan Grand Theatre, cementing its status as a world-class performance venue. 

Project Photos