Perched above Lake Geneva, La Grange au Lac is a surprising find amongst a forest of larch trees.
Its architecture is understated but immediately recognisable with its saw-tooth roofline, whilst the interior reveals the architectural details that make this place so magical. Dedicated to Mstislav Rostropovich, its exceptional acoustics and its distinctive architecture make this the only concert hall in the world of its kind.
An unparalleled setting
Designed by architect Patrick Bouchain and the BAOS collective, La Grange au Lac was built in 1993. Inspired by the vernacular architecture, it echoes the simple, parallelepipedal shape of traditional Savoyard barns. This form puts it in the concert hall category known as "shoebox". Made entirely from wood, it stands out for its use of cedar and pine which emphasise its roots in local tradition whilst also giving it its warmth, its scent and its incomparable resonance.
Inside, a forest of beech trees standing at the back of the stage, a sculptural abat-son suspended from the ceiling, and majestic chandeliers create a striking contrast with the simplicity of the architecture. These small touches act as a counterpoint to the seemingly rustic feel of the venue, never failing to delight and bestowing La Grange au Lac with an identity that marries the simple and the spectacular.
World class acoustics
To create the acoustics at La Grange au Lac, Patrick Bouchain worked with Albert Yaying Xu, an internationally-renowned specialist. Together, they determined the ideal proportions for the venue - 40 metres long, 20 wide, 18 high, for the initial 1,100-place capacity - and selected wood as the ideal material due to its capacity to absorb and reflect sound. Suspended like a work of art above the audience, an abat-son made from Alucobond® interplays with the wooden relief behind the stage. Together they act as one device helping to circulate and balance the sound. Widely regarded as outstanding, the acoustics of La Grange au Lac were reworked in 2022, shortly before Albert Yaying Xu's death, to adapt to the new use of the venue for larger orchestras and to offset the effects of the wood's natural ageing.
A stage offering all possibilities
Now with its stage extended to 200 m², La Grange au Lac can host groups of all sizes, including large orchestras. Its rear balcony, which holds the beech forest, offers a distinctive theatrical dimension overhanging the stage and reveals great potential for staging. From chamber music to epic symphonies, via opera, dance and other expressions of the performing arts, La Grange au Lac provides rare versatility and an exceptional decor.