FirstOntario Concert Hall facts for kids
FirstOntario Concert Hall
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| Former names | Hamilton Place (1973–1998), Ronald V. Joyce Centre for the Performing Arts at Hamilton Place (1998–2016) |
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| Address | 1 Summers Lane Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4Y2 |
| Coordinates | 43°15′23″N 79°52′19″W / 43.2563°N 79.87188°W |
| Owner | City of Hamilton |
| Operator | Core Entertainment (Comcast Spectacor) |
| Type | Theatre, Concert Hall |
| Capacity | 2,193 |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1972 |
| Opened | 1973 |
| Construction cost | $11 million |
| Architect | Trevor P. Garwood-Jones |
The FirstOntario Concert Hall is a cool place in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It's where people go to enjoy music and live shows.
This building was first called Hamilton Place when it opened in 1973. Later, in 1998, it got a new name: the Ronald V. Joyce Centre for the Performing Arts at Hamilton Place. This happened after the Joyce Family Foundation gave a big donation. In 2016, FirstOntario Credit Union made a deal to have their name on the building.
The FirstOntario Concert Hall is the main home for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera Hamilton.
Contents
What's Inside the Concert Hall?
The FirstOntario Concert Hall has two main performance areas.
The Great Hall
The biggest area is called the Great Hall. It has two balconies that hang from the ceiling. This hall can seat 2,193 people. The stage is very wide, about 37 meters. It can also change how deep it is, from about 11 to 16 meters. The Great Hall is famous around the world for its amazing sound quality. This means music and voices sound really clear and good!
The Studio
There's also a smaller theatre called The Studio. It used to be known as The Studio at Hamilton Place. This smaller space can hold up to 350 people.
Other Cool Features
The venue also has rooms for rehearsals, breaks, and dressing rooms for performers. There's a private outdoor area and a large loading dock. This loading dock is shared with the Hamilton Convention Centre and the Ellen Fairclough Building. The Concert Hall is directly connected to the Hamilton Convention Centre through its main lobby. It also shares an outdoor area called Commonwealth Square with the Convention Centre and the Art Gallery of Hamilton. You can get to Commonwealth Square from the theatre's mezzanine level.
Amazing Performances
Many famous musicians and performers have been on stage at the FirstOntario Concert Hall.
Music Stars
Some of the musicians who have played here include Tony Bennett, Leonard Cohen, Morrissey, Chris de Burgh, Sarah McLachlan, Sharon, Lois & Bram, Tangerine Dream, The Proclaimers, Tori Amos, and The Tragically Hip.
Comedy and More
Funny comedians like Billy Connolly, Margaret Cho, and Norm Macdonald have also performed. Classic rock bands like Heart have rocked the stage too.
Stage Shows
The hall has also hosted many exciting stage shows. These include musicals like A Chorus Line, Evita, and The Color Purple. Dance shows like Moulin Rouge: The Ballet and Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance have also been performed.
Recordings Made Here
Some concerts and shows performed at Hamilton Place (now FirstOntario Concert Hall) have been recorded and released for everyone to enjoy.
- Hamilton Philharmonic Virtuosi, Boris Brott – Concerto For Violin & Chamber Orchestra (1976)
- Hamilton Philharmonic Virtuosi, Boris Brott – Petite Suite D'Orchestre (Jeux D'Enfants) / Symphony In Two Movements (1976)
- Split Enz Video LP (Time + Tide Tour) - live concert video (1982)
- Chris de Burgh The Video - live concert video (1983)
- Crystal Gayle In Concert - live concert video (1985)
- Ronnie Hawkins: Looking For More Good Times - live concert video (1988)
- Stompin’ Tom in Live Concert - live concert video and album (2005)
Images for kids
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The Great Hall at FirstOntario Concert Hall's stage viewed from the first balcony
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Great Hall at FirstOntario Concert Hall's Seating viewed from the stage
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Great Hall at FirstOntario Concert Hall's backstage area
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Great Hall at FirstOntario Concert Hall's Fly system
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Steinway & Sons square grand piano in the Great Hall of FirstOntario Concert Hall
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Lobby and mezzanine located within FirstOntario Concert Hall's atrium. The connection to the Hamilton Convention Centre is located in the lobby, and the exit to Commonwealth Square is located on the mezzanine level
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"Canadac", a Stelcoloy sculpture by Kosso Eloul located at Commonwealth Square
See also
- Hamilton Convention Centre
- Ellen Fairclough Building
- Art Gallery of Hamilton
- TD Coliseum
- Sheraton Hamilton
- Lloyd D. Jackson Square
- List of tallest buildings in Hamilton, Ontario
