Acoustic conditions of the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House and its renovation

The War Memorial Opera House is one of the most culturally significant performing arts venues in San Francisco. The San Francisco Opera organization (which includes the performers, designers, systems, and facilities) is known worldwide for the quality of its performances. The Loma Prieta earthquake which occurred just south of San Francisco in October 1989 was the impetus for the major renovation to the War Memorial Opera House currently in progress. This paper will report on the history of the San Francisco Opera House and the current renovation. It will also touch on some of the peripheral facilities and projects resulting from the renovation. Paoletti Associates has enjoyed a long-standing professional relationship with the San Francisco Opera organization, and the San Francisco War Memorial Board of Trustees, having been involved in a number of various studies for them over the past 20 years. They recognize the importance of acoustics, and they are quite concerned about the historical and cultural reputation of their performing arts facilities.