pitch perfect
$60 million overhaul of Houston's Jones Hall makes it sound better than ever
The new forestage reflector at Jones Hall enhances sound quality.
Fans of the Houston Symphony and Performing Arts Houston can look forward to some vital improvements in Jones Hall starting next month. The venue is completing a $60 million innovation to modernize the space, including a forestage reflector.
The reflector is a curved ceiling piece over the front of the stage designed to project sound with more clarity. Referred to as a “game changer” by Jones Hall representatives, it will add significant acoustic fidelity for the string section and guest soloist during symphony concerts.
This acoustic renovation is matched by a complete overhaul of the lighting and sound systems throughout the venue. The original wiring has been replaced by fiber optics, new speakers improve fidelity, and stage automation has received a digital upgrade so that effects and transitions can be even more seamless.
“Our musicians have experienced a significant improvement in the acoustics on stage, and our audiences have been effusive in their praise of the transformation of the sound in the Hall,” John Mangum, Houston Symphony executive director and CEO, said in a statement. “The reimagining of Jones Hall will have a lasting impact for the Symphony and provide a greatly improved experience for our audiences, one defined by a new-found immediacy, impact, and presence of orchestral sound that has to be heard to be believed.”
Improvements were made possible by the Foundation for Jones Hall, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the space ahead of the venue’s 60th Anniversary in 2026. Gifts to the foundation were made by Nancy and Chuck Davidson, Margaret Alkek Williams, The Brown Foundation, Janice H. Barrow, the Shirley and David Toomin family, The Wortham Foundation, ConocoPhillips, The Elkins Foundation, the Cullen Trust for Performing Arts, Houston Endowment, Janet F. Clark, the Cullen Foundation, and the City of Houston/Houston First Corporation.
In addition to the sound and light quality in the performance space, there have been some improvements to the lobby. Houston First, who manages Jones Hall, insisted on new carpeting and lighting in the lobby. It has also been expanded some to overcome “pinch points” where audiences sometimes bunch up during high traffic moments. An expanded green room gives musicians and donors a place to mingle before and after performances.
All renovations are slated to be finished in 2025, though the major acoustic changes will be settled by the end of the year. In October, the Foundation for Jones Hall will launch the “take a seat” campaign, which will let induvial donors and sponsors dedicate specific seats in the auditorium. This will hopefully cover the remaining $8 million needed for the completion of all renovation plans.
