After four years of construction, a spectacular new auditorium will take center stage in Bordeaux this winter. Visitors to the wine capital often take in an opera performance at the historic Grand Théâtre, a destination itself on the Place de la Comédie (opposite the Grand Hotel). And when the Bordeaux Auditorium finally opens its doors, it will draw even more music fans to the southwest of France.
Hailed as the “cultural event of the year” in the UNESCO-listed city, the auditorium’s debut is highly anticipated. The venue’s structure was devised by Belgian acoustics expert Eckhard Kahle; it will house the biggest orchestra pit in Europe (1,400 places). Thierry Fouquet, Director General of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, is in charge of the programming. After Mayor Alain Juppé inaugurates it on January 17, 2013, the Bordeaux Auditorium will host the 20th annual Victoires de la Musique Classique in February 2013. For more information, visit www.bordeaux-tourisme.com.