A survey of stage acoustic conditions for choral performances

Abstract

Choral performances, due to a very large number of non-professional groups often operating in small cities, frequently take place in non-dedicated spaces like churches, open atria, and other spaces with unusual acoustic conditions. This results in performances taking place in spaces without a real “stage” and consequently, in acoustic conditions that, as reported by several interviews, lack support and communication among singers. In order to better understand the effective acoustic conditions experienced in real spaces that frequently host choral performances, an on-site survey was carried out in six venues including one semi-open atrium and five churches of different styles and dimensions. Measurements were carried out according to ISO 3382-1 requirements, also taking into account the most recent proposals in terms of stage support to account for actual source directivity and presence of reflecting elements close to the source. Results showed that smaller spaces where vertical surfaces where more likely to be closer to the performers behaved better than large spaces where side volumes (like transepts or high domes) mostly withdrew acoustic energy yielding STearly values much lower than −12 dB.