In 2015, the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Slovakia extended an invitation to Studio D A P to conduct an acoustical survey of the Orchestra Pit of the New Hall of the Slovak National. The purpose of the survey was to investigate objectively the present acoustic conditions inside the Orchestra Pit for musicians and its relation to the perceived acoustics in the Hall, and to make recommendations to overcome the pit perceived acoustical shortcomings.

During this visit, Studio D A P attended rehearsals of the Slovak National Theatre Opera Orchestra at the SNT New Opera Hall as well as a performance of Franz Lehár’s opera “The Land of Smiles”.

Furthermore, Studio D A P :

  • conducted measurements of the background noise levels
  • conducted measurements of the room acoustical quality by recording acoustical impulse responses of the pit and the room.
  • held discussions with several of the musicians of the orchestra, as well as the administrators.

This procedure allowed Studio D A P to further refine their understanding of the acoustical qualities and shortcomings of the room, and to determine a series of initial recommendations for improvement.

The recommendations  are meant to improve the orchestra pit acoustics, in particular in regards mutual hearing and sound projection into the room, as well as better clarity, spectral balance and precision of the perceived sound.