ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
La Grange au Lac is a place where every detail counts.
While the chandeliers and sound absorbers shown here embody both the elegance and acoustic performance of the hall, they are not the only features that give it its unique character.
We must not forget the birch forest that extends nature onto the stage, nor the Cyrillic texts that pays homage to Mstislav Rostropovich.
Together, these elements create a subtle harmony between aesthetics, symbolism and functionality.
The chandeliers
Some see bells, others see crinolines. The chandeliers are an integral part of La Grange au Lac, and one of the elements that bestow the venue with its identity. Their crystal silhouettes contrast with the simplicity of the surrounding wood: a touch of luxury contributing to the venue's magic.
Majestic and unique, these chandeliers tell a story arising from architectural audacity and artisan ingenuity. In 1993, inspired by the example of the Musikverein in Vienna, as referenced by Mstislav Rostropovich, the architect Patrick Bouchain designed these original structures which, as requested by the famous cellist, succeeded in avoiding direct lighting on the performers. With little budget left to have them made, the architect obtained rejected pieces from a prestigious Murano glassmaker, discarded as they had bubbles or were misshapen. Added to pendants and assembled with flair, the result was magnificent, the decreasing size of the chandeliers adding a striking play on perspective.
An even brighter sparkle
In 2019, large-scale renovations, led by Patrick Bouchain and Jean-Christophe Denise, gave an even more intense sparkle to the chandeliers: the density of the Bohemia crystal prisms was enhanced, the clusters of Murano blown-glass stalactites filled out and the lighting effects optimised through the discreet addition of beaded covers and LED strips. These improvements opened up new possibilities for lighting and even more staging options at the venue.
The abat-son
The vast aluminium shell suspended from the ceiling is the only element of La Grange au Lac - other than the chandeliers - that is not made from wood.
Its function is not just aesthetic, it is above all functional. Made from petals of Alucobond® (aluminium-based composite panels), it is actually this structure that gives the venue its exceptional and unanimously lauded acoustics. The perfect transmission of sound, possible thanks to this abat-son, was made possible through close collaboration between the architect Patrick Bouchain and acoustics expert Yaying Xu. The oblong form of the shell, resembling an ear of wheat, was the result of budget constraints. As for the chandeliers, it is made from offcuts, which, once assembled together, were transformed into this work of art.
The acoustic signature of Albert Xu (1934-2023)
La Grange au Lac owes its singular acoustics to Albert Yaying Xu. A world-renowned expert, he played a pivotal role in obtaining the rich and balanced sound quality of the venue. His mastery of the relationship between volume, audience numbers and sound propagation led to the design of the dimensions (40 x 20 x 18 m, initial capacity 1,100 seats) and to the use of materials which absorb and reflect, like wood. It is also thanks to him that this Alucobond® abat-son was installed, which plays an essential role in managing reverberation.
In 2022, just a few months before his death, Albert Yaying Xu came back to lend his ear to La Grange au Lac to correct the acoustic imbalances that had appeared over time. Just as an instrument is tuned, La Grange au Lac has regained the remarkable sound that is its hallmark.
