Ebert Room

Charcoalblue was engaged by Glyndebourne in 2007 to investigate ways in the space could be better adapted for a wider range of events including education projects. Having produced a feasibility study detailing a number of alternatives, we then led a scheme to revitalise the space, providing space for up to 130 people on a fixed balcony, with a motorised seating bleacher, new stagelighting and audiovisual systems, overhead rigging for lights and scenery, mechanical ventilation and heating/cooling and greatly-improved access for wheelchair users.

The refurbished Ebert Room can now support a wide variety of presentations and recitals, as well as small-scale operas which in the past have been performed both in the main opera house and in one of the other rehearsal rooms. The room is also used for chorus rehearsals for up to 60 seated chorus members, plus piano and conductor; non-scenic and solo rehearsals; auditions and warm-ups; and for pre-performance talks, study days and events.

The development took place during the winter months of 2010/11 to avoid disruption to the summer Opera Festival, and was completed in time for the 2011 season.