£4m transformation complete at The Glasshouse as Royal Northern Sinfonia prepares to launch new season

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music has completed the first phase of a major capital works programme, with around £4 million invested in the Gateshead venue ahead of Sage One reopening for the new Classical season on Saturday 19 September.

The work represents the most significant programme of improvements to Sage One since the building opened in 2004. The refurbished hall will welcome audiences back with Royal Northern Sinfonia performing Mozart’s Così fan tutte, joined by the Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia and an international cast led by Music Director Dinis Sousa.

The programme includes a new powered flying system, refurbished stage lifts, automated orchestral risers, a fully renewed stage and upgraded cooling systems. The investment is designed to improve flexibility and reliability for performers while helping the hall continue to host major classical and contemporary programmes.

Royal Northern Sinfonia has also been working with acousticians from Arup to test and fine-tune Sage One ahead of reopening. It marks the hall’s first comprehensive acoustic assessment since The Glasshouse opened more than 20 years ago.

Ian Knowles, one of the original acousticians involved in Sage One’s design, returned to support the latest testing. According to The Glasshouse, the new automated stage risers give the orchestra greater flexibility while helping musicians connect more closely with the hall and audience.

Saturday’s performance of Mozart’s Così fan tutte brings together Royal Northern Sinfonia, its chorus and a cast including soprano Christina Gansch. Her recent engagements have included performances in San Francisco, Zurich and at London’s Royal Opera House.

Fraser Anderson, Chief Executive Officer at The Glasshouse, said the improvements would have an impact on stage and throughout the hall for years to come, helping the venue create stronger experiences for artists, orchestras, audiences and young people.

Dinis Sousa, Music Director of Royal Northern Sinfonia, described the reopening as particularly significant, with the completely renewed stage and acoustic fine-tuning preparing the orchestra’s home for the years ahead.

Find more upcoming shows and venue information on our The Glasshouse International Centre for Music page.

The approximately £4m first phase has been supported by Anne Reece, Garfield Weston Foundation, Joanna and Graham Barker, The Barbour Foundation, The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, Arts Council England, The Shears Foundation, The Squires Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust and an anonymous donor.

Royal Northern Sinfonia rehearsing in the newly refurbished Sage One ahead of the new Classical season. Photo: TyneSight Media.