Orchestra Pit Refurbishment
Made possible by donations to the 2024 Annual Fund
Our Orchestra Pit has had some key improvements this year thanks to the generous donations to the 2024 Annual Fund.
This year, we have undertaken several upgrades to our orchestra pit which has contributed to higher quality performances and improved acoustics, that will enhance both the musicians’ experience and the audience’s enjoyment.
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Il barbiere di Siviglia rehearsal, Rory MacDonald conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Germán Olvera , who plays Figaro. Photograph by Tristram Kenton.
A new floor has been installed, which can lay completely flat on the bottom of the pit to create a continuous, uninterrupted surface. This has provided extra room for a large orchestra, meaning operas like Parsifal, can be performed as intended for the first time in Glyndebourne’s history.
For the audience, the new floor means that the front few rows will now also have a better viewing balance of the stage and pit.
Uprising rehearsal. Photograph by Sarah Hickson
We’ve also added new acoustic panels around the pit – these panels make a noticeable difference, providing improved sound definition and clarity.
Feedback from the London Philharmonic Orchestra has been overwhelmingly positive: the acoustics in the pit are enhanced, improving the instrumentalists’ ability to hear one another and work together. The sound levels for the conductor are now closer to the audience experience.
Uprising rehearsal. Photograph by Sarah Hickson
Other orchestra pit improvements that have been made include new working lights with low-level options, which allow the orchestra to work more comfortably while rehearsals are taking place on stage.
We have also made necessary access and safety updates, which has made moving around understage much easier. We have replaced the main lift and installed brand-new motors. This not only makes the lift safer to use, but also lets us pre-set height levels for each performance. The scissor lift structure has also been upgraded to make it more sturdy for our artists.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donated to the 2024 Annual Fund. Your support made this important refurbishment possible.
If you’re a Festival Member you can include a donation to the Annual Fund when you submit your Festival 2026 ticket application, or alternatively you can make a donation below.
