Symphony Hall is a massive performance venue and concert hall that frequently hosts classical music performances by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra along with other genres and performers. This venue is connected to the International Convention Centre and features a seating capacity of up to 2,262.
If you're a fan of classical music or any other genre like jazz, folk, rock or pop, you'll be able to find a satisfying performance here. This venue also hosts spoken-word performances, comedy acts and dances. Generally, performances tend to last around 2 hours, but the exact time will vary based on the event.
Symphony Hall in Birmingham - one of the highlights of 11 Best Things to Do on a Small Budget in Birmingham and 13 Best Nightlife Experiences in Birmingham (Read all about Birmingham here)
Symphony Hall highlights
The most alluring aspect of this venue is its acoustics. It's considered to have some of the best in all of the UK, with Leo Beranek, an expert on concert hall acoustics, rating it the best in the country in 2016. Before opening, the hall conducted an acoustics test in which a pin was dropped on the stage; despite the size of the venue, that pin drop could be heard from anywhere in the hall.
These impressive acoustics were achieved by exceptional construction and a reverberation chamber. In addition to the reverberation chamber, you'll also find an acoustic canopy and dampening panels, both of which are adjustable.
photo by JimmyGuano (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
Good to know when visiting Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall hosts hundreds of performances each year, so if you want to see something special, you'll have plenty of opportunities. Just keep in mind that the seats fill up quickly, so it's always best to book your ticket well in advance of the show.
A lot of sophisticated concert halls have dress codes, but this generally isn't one of them. Some people like to dress up, while others come in a shirt and jeans, both of which are fine. Some events do have a dress code, however, so keep an eye out to see if the show you're interested in has one.
photo by Philip Pankhurst (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Symphony Hall in Birmingham
Location: Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA, UK
Open: Most shows begin at 7.30 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1217 803333
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Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
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Aparthotel Birmingham
Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre, an IHG Hotel
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ibis budget Birmingham Centre
Malmaison Birmingham
Hyatt Regency Birmingham
New Hall Hotel & Spa
