Suntory Hall

Why Suntory Hall is special ?

Suntory Hall opened in the autumn of 1986 as an embodiment of a long-cherished dream of Keizo Saji, the founder and an ardent admirer of classical music. With"The world's most beautiful sounds"as its concept, suggestions and advice by world renowned conductors and performers as well as lovers of classical music were gathered and used in drawing up the design of the hall. The Main Hall was the first concert hall built in the "vineyard" style in Japan. All 2,006 seats are arranged to face the stage as if terraces of wine are facing the sun. The sounds of music embrace everyone like a shower of sunshine pouring down on every seat. It is a structure where performers and audiences can share dynamic acoustic and visual experiences together.

Source: http://www.blouinartinfo.com

What to explore at Suntory Hall?

Main Hall

The seats in the Main Hall are situated around the concert stage (250 m2 in 27 sections), with a capacity of 2,006 people.[2] The first "vineyard style" concert hall in Japan, the seating configuration gives a closer acoustical sensibility for not only the audience, but for the performers and conductors as well.

Also, the concert pipe organ, with 74 stops and 5,898 pipes, is located in the centre rear of the Hall. It is a large pipe organ, custom built and crafted by Rieger Orgelbau.It has been modified with computerized control mechanisms to allow remote consoles to control it from the stage.

Small Hall[

The seats of the Small Hall (also known as the Blue Rose) can be moved, and the stage consists of three different sections which can be raised by up to 60 centimeters in increments of 20 centimeters. It can seat 384 to 432 people.

The interior 425 m2 (25 m x 17 m) consists of wooden paneling. The Hall's main function is for chamber music and solo recitals. Due to its size, (41.6 m2/62.4 m2 with 3 platforms), it has also been used for speeches, seminars and lectures.

Foyer

For enjoyment and relaxation while waiting for performances and during intermissions, the Foyer provides access to facilities such as the cocktail corner, as well as the "Bar Intermezzo" and "Cafe Intermezzo". Suntory Hall is the first to bring such facilities to Japan. In addition to the box office, there is also a gift shop and cloak room in the foyer.

Artworks in the hall include the Chandelier Symphony of Lights by Motoko Ishii, the stained glass “Growth of Grapes” by Keiko Miura, and wall art by Teppei Ujiyama which are all located in the foyer. Outside the main entrance is a sculpture by Takenobu Igarashi.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org

How to get to Suntory Hall?

By train: 5 minutes by foot from Exit No. 3 of Roppongi-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line

7-10 minutes by foot from Exit No. 13 of Tameike-sanno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Namboku Line

By bus: Take the Toei Bus No. 01 (Shibuya -> Shinbashi) and get off at the Akasaka Ark Hills-mae stop