A memorandum of co-operation in preparing and implementing the “Janáček Cultural Centre” project’. At one o’clock today, Minister of Culture Daniel Herman, Brno Mayor Petr Vokřál and South Moravian Governor Michal Hašek signed a document with this title. As representatives of the state, city and Region, the document commits them to co-operate with each other, and in particular to fund the construction of a new concert hall in Brno.
The document was signed at the corner of Besední and Veselá streets, right at the site where the hall should be constructed, and where workers are currently building its first phase, consisting of the underground garages. According to the document, the state will contribute 600 million crowns, Brno will contribute 562.4 million crowns and the Region will provide 100 million crowns.
Signature of the memorandum fulfils the condition for the government to discuss funding of the project and include it in the state budget for 2018 – 2020. Mayor of Brno, Petr Vokřál said: ‘This is the first time an agreement at city-Region-state level has been concluded. I see it as a major step forward because I trust that the government will approve the release of funds for its construction.’ Culture Minister Daniel Herman also highlighted the significance of the co-operation. ‘I know Brno has been waiting for an outstanding concert hall for many many years, which is why we have decided the project needs to be revived and everything needs to be done to ensure its implementation,’ said Herman. Speaking at the site, he praised the location of the hall. ‘It’s a beautiful site right in the heart of Brno, and the close proximity of Besední dům makes it exceptional,’ he noted. Governor Michal Hašek stressed that the hall means Brno will become a major venue on Europe’s music map, noting that, ‘there is no hall like this in the Czech Republic as far as I know, so the closest modern hall is in Poland. As such, I am glad that the situation looks so hopeful now here.’
Along with memorandum preparations, a tender process is also underway for the concert hall designers, comprising a team of acoustic specialist – architect – designer which will design the building’s interior layout and in particular the concert hall itself, its acoustic insulation, shape and other similar details. At the end of August, the commission looked at the applications received and requested additional documents and proof of qualification. Deputy Mayor of Brno, Matěj Hollan, has previously stated that: ‘four teams submitted a bid, although by law no details can as yet be published about them. Nevertheless, I believe I can reveal that they are leaders in their field, and thus we are on track to bringing a high quality team of international renown to Brno.’
About Hall for Brno
The working title Hall for Brno (Janáček Cultural Centre) denotes the project of new Brno concert hall construction. It will provide a home to the Brno Philharmonic, recognized as one of the
Europe’s outstanding orchestra. Its more than one hundred members have had to rehearse and perform in unsatisfactory conditions. The Philharmonic is currently based in Besední dům, the stage of which is too small. And the Janáček Theatre, the venue of many Philharmonic’s concerts, does not provide suitable acoustics. As a result, audience cannot hear the orchestra in its full cast.
“Hopefully, the audience will be able to recognize the quality of the orchestra thanks to the new concert hall and Brno will attract top artists from abroad, we have currently no place to invite to,” said Marie Kučerová, the Director of Brno Philharmonic.
The new concert hall offering 1250 seats and top-quality acoustic parameters will be located on the corner of Besedni and Vesela streets. The total cost is estimated at 1.276 billion CZK. The municipal authorities endeavour to have the construction begun in late 2017, therewith following up on the first phase of the project, the rise of underground garages.
Media contact
Kateřina Konečná – JCC PR manager, 777 682 678, info@salprobrno.cz, www.salprobrno.cz