Reverberation time of Wrocław Opera House after restoration

One of the main acoustic goals set prior to restoration work on the Wrocław Opera House
in 1997 was to increase the auditorium’s reverberation time. Now, after the completion of
the restoration work, comprehensive acoustic investigations of the Opera House, including
reverberation time, were carried out. Measurements were performed in accordance with the
ISO 3382.
The reverberation time measurement results were analysed with regard to the absorption
coefficient of seats. After the seats were installed, the effect of acoustic coupling with the stage
and also the position of the orchestra pit’s movable floor was investigated.
The effect of the location of a sound source (on the stage and in the open and covered part
of the orchestra pit) on reverberation time was examined. The differences in reverberation
time between the measurement locations were compared with the differences in reverberation
time between the sound source locations.
The current and pre-restoration reverberation time values were compared. It was found that
the acoustic goal set for the restoration of the Opera House was achieved.