war memorial opera house san francisco california

Phase Three saw the installation of 17 winches to move the Cyclorama and sweep battens onto the automated system, plus a full cleanup of the grid that allowed more comprehensive coverage of the stage by the existing point hoists. TAIT Stage Technologies installed seven BT290 winches to control the curtain as well as 14 demountable point hoists, drives and control, and point hoists. Phase Two focused on the house curtain and existing lighting bridges. This was a feasibility study to consider and plan the full automation of the House. Phase one consisted of a structural engineering review of existing system and building infrastructure. The control infrastructure was designed at the outset to allow for the easy integration of subsequent phases of work.

No performances were affected by the work being carried out during installation and system commissioning. Today, after seismic retrofitting following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the Opera House boasts state-of-the-art equipment, a refurbished interior graced with exquisite fixtures and furnishings, several elegant eateries, and refreshment bars located throughout the house.TAIT answered this challenge by sequencing the whole install over four phases and several years, fitting it in between the Opera and Ballet’s seasons. The Opera House played host to two historic events-the drafting of the charter of the United Nations in 1945, and the ceremony where the United States restored Japanese sovereignty in 1951.

At the time of its construction, the stage complex was the largest and most technologically sophisticated in the United States-and its acoustics among the best in the world. After opening its doors to audiences on October 15, 1932, the exquisite Opera House has been home to San Francisco Ballet since its earliest days. Designed in the magnificent Beaux-Arts style by Arthur Brown Jr., architect of Coit Tower and City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House is one of three landmark buildings, along with the Veteran’s Building and Davies Symphony Hall, that make up the War Memorial Performing Arts Center.

War memorial opera house san francisco california