Reid Concert Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reid Concert Hall |
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Reid Concert Hall
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| Former names | Reid School of Music |
| General information | |
| Type | Concert hall |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| Location | Edinburgh, Scotland, UK |
| Address | 74 Lauriston Place |
| Coordinates | 55°56′41″N 3°11′23″W / 55.9448062°N 3.1896425°W |
| Construction started | 13 February 1858 |
| Opened | 14 February 1859 |
| Owner | University of Edinburgh |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | David Cousin |
| Designations | Category A listed building |
| Other information | |
| Seating capacity | 218 |
The Reid Concert Hall is a cool music place in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's part of the University of Edinburgh and has been around for a long time! It first opened in 1859. A famous Scottish architect named David Cousin designed it. This building is so special that it's a "Category A listed building." This means it's really important and protected because of its history and design.
The hall is named after General John Reid. He was an army officer and also loved music. General Reid helped start the music department at the university. Every year on February 13th, special Reid Concerts are held to remember him.
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Music Performances
The Reid Concert Hall is a busy spot for music. It hosts many classical concerts throughout the year. Most of these performances are by students and teachers from the university.
The Annual Reid Concerts
The special Reid Concerts happen every year on February 13th. These concerts honor General John Reid. They follow his wishes from when he helped create the music program.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
During the summer, Edinburgh hosts a huge arts festival called the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Reid Hall becomes a performance venue for this festival. It's known as "The Cowbarn" during this exciting time.
Building Design
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The Reid Concert Hall is a tall, rectangular building made of sandstone. It was designed by David Cousin in a style called Italianate Neoclassical. This style uses ideas from ancient Roman and Greek buildings.
Outside the Hall
The outside of the building has large windows with fancy decorations. The roof has a detailed edge called a cornice. Below this, you can read an inscription carved into the stone. It says the building was "Endowed by General Reid" and is the "School of the theory of music" for the "University of Edinburgh." Steps lead up to the entrances, which have classical columns and small porches.
Inside the Hall
Inside, the main part is a large concert hall. It has a beautiful, decorated ceiling that looks like a curved tunnel. On one wall, there's a special organ built in 1978. This organ was designed to make the music sound very clear and direct. This is different from other large halls, like the nearby McEwan Hall, which has a grander, echoey sound.
Music Museum
When the Reid Hall was built, Professor John Donaldson added a museum. He wanted a place to show his collection of old and unique musical instruments. Many people think the Reid Hall is the oldest building in Europe made specifically to be a music museum! Today, you can still see some of these instruments in the North Room. They are part of the University of Edinburgh's amazing collection.
See also
- List of music museums
- St Cecilia's Hall
