Bass Concert Hall Information
Opened in 1981, Bass Concert Hall is the largest performing arts theatre in Austin, seating 2,900 guests. From the moment you walk through the impressive glass-front façade into the spacious, light-filled lobby, this facility exudes a combination of quality, glamour and practicality that is evident in its productions, and continues to place it top-of-the-list as an outstanding entertainment venue.
About Bass Concert Hall
Bass Concert Hall boasts seats up to 2,900 people, making it a great choice for artists visiting Austin. Historically, it has hosted a range of events including large-scale musicals and intimate classical performances.
Since construction was first completed in 1981, the venue has gone through several iterations. It is named after Perry R. Bass, a popular Texas philanthropist whose contributions helped make the hall possible. Today, the venue stands as a testament to the enduring love for the arts within the wider Texas community.
One of the hall’s most striking features is its acoustics. These have been carefully engineered to provide an exceptional auditory experience – no matter where you are seated. The venue also features rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, and a spacious lobby area.
Renovations
Re-invented in 2007 with a a $14.7 million dollar renovation and facelift, the venue can now accommodate a vast range of shows and touring productions, enabling the attention to detail that makes these events extra special! Offering an ample stage, an orchestra pit (can accommodate over 100 musicians), dressing rooms (can accommodate over 100 performers), computerized lighting, top-of-the-range sound and rigging systems, and a gigantic backstage area complete with workshops for carpentry, costumes, painting, metalwork and props, Bass Concert Hall is equipped to support even the most complex and spectacular of shows!
Venue history
Bass Concert Hall has a storied history that highlights its importance in Austin’s cultural landscape. The hall was first opened in 1981 as part of the Texas Performing Arts complex, a project aimed at creating new performing arts facilities on the University campus. Its construction was made possible by a large donation from philanthropist Perry R. Bass.
The hall was designed by Jessen Millhouse Greeven, boasting a contemporary architectural style with a focus on modern functionality. It features a spacious interior with great acoustics, which have made it a popular venue for many performers across the world – including classical and contemporary theatre productions.
Over the years, Bass Concert Hall has hosted a long list of artists and events. Some of the most notable performances include iconic Broadway shows like “The Lion King” and “Wicked,” and concerts by popular artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman. Beyond this, the venue has become a central location for students at the University of Texas, providing them with opportunities to perform and hone their craft in a professional environment.
Today, Bass Concert Hall has gone through several renovations to ensure it continues to be a cutting-edge performance venue. These updates have included upgrades to seating, acoustics and backstage facilities, ensuring the hall continues to meet the high standards of modern theatre and performance venues.