Northwest China’s first comprehensive high-end performance complex features 360° L-ISA immersive audio experience in 1,600-seat Opera Hall, A Series in 1,200-seat Concert Hall, and L-Acoustics systems throughout

Northwest China’s cultural landscape has gained a formidable new landmark with the opening of the Xi’an Grand Theatre in the city’s High-tech Zone, emerging as the region’s first comprehensive high-end performance venue and a showcase for large-scale immersive sound. Anchored by L-Acoustics systems across all four of its performance spaces, the complex positions audio excellence at the heart of its artistic vision, from grand opera to experimental performance.

Designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Wang Shu in his first theatre project in over forty years, the complex serves as the cultural hub of the Silk Road Science City’s Central Innovation Zone. Open 24 hours to the public, the venue is conceived to host grand operas, symphony concerts, children’s theatre, electronic music events and experimental performances within a single architectural and technical ecosystem.

At the core of the 1,600-seat Opera Hall is an L-ISA immersive audio experience with full surround technology that breaks free from traditional sweet spot limitations. The scene system comprises five hangs of 10 Kara IIi each, complemented by extension hangs of 10 Kara IIi on either side. Low-frequency reinforcement comes from two sets of four KS28 subwoofers rigged centrally behind the scene system. A full surround configuration deploys 32 X8 enclosures on the side and rear walls of the first floor and second-floor balcony, while an overhead height system of 16 X8 speakers is installed on the ceiling and under the balcony. Custom cement grey finishes on the X8 systems visually integrate with the hall’s bamboo-patterned fair-faced concrete interior, a design reference to the Zhongnan Mountains’ bamboo forests south of Xi’an. Twelve 5XT boxes provide spatial front-fill across the stage lip and eight 5XT serve the orchestra pit, creating a seamless sound field from stage to audience.

“L-ISA significantly optimizes the uniformity of the sound field within the Opera Hall, ensuring that every audience member is at the center of the sound field,” says Xie Wenbo, Project Engineer of Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC), which led the installation across all four spaces. “Audiences can clearly perceive the movement of actors, experience sounds passing overhead or lingering nearby, and hear the layers and details of a symphony orchestra with unprecedented vividness.”

The Opera Hall’s staging infrastructure features six sets of lifts, twelve side stage wagons and seventy-five electric fly bars, supporting productions from Western and traditional Chinese operas to musicals and symphony concerts. According to China’s Design Code for Sound Reinforcement Systems in Halls and Stadiums (GB/T 28049-2011), the hall’s acoustic parameters fully meet first-class standards for artistic performances.

The 1,200-seat Concert Hall is equipped with an A10i Focus and Wide main LCR system, comprising six L-Acoustics A10i Focus and Wide for the left and right hangs and three A10i Focus and Wide for the central hang. Its acoustic design, led by Yasuhisa Toyota in his first China project, merges shoebox and terrace concepts with adjustable seating that reduces the gap between audience and stage. The hall accommodates chamber music, stage plays and classical performances, with every element of its form and materials tested through acoustic modelling to ensure consistent audio quality throughout.

The 1,000-seat experimental theatre and 300-seat rehearsal hall also feature L-Acoustics systems, extending sonic consistency across the entire complex. The experimental theatre’s dual-proscenium design and twelve stage lifts enable rapid transitions between interconnected indoor and outdoor performances.

Driving the Opera Hall’s L-ISA ecosystem are a DiGiCo Quantum338 mixing console and L-ISA Processor for real-time algorithm and signal management, alongside a LightAct media server for rendering sound objects and enabling precise three-dimensional placement of sonic elements. Installation across the complex required careful coordination to balance ideal loudspeaker placement with extensive prefabricated concrete panels and wooden interior structures. RAC supported the project with L-ISA training and on-site technical guidance, helping the theatre’s technical team transition smoothly into launch performances.

Architecturally, the venue reflects regional heritage through exterior walls of glazed bricks and stone masonry in colours inspired by Tang Dynasty blue-and-green landscape paintings, while interiors feature bamboo-patterned fair-faced concrete that preserves a natural material essence.

“What the L-ISA system brings to Xi’an Grand Theatre is not just technology but sound art that transcends technical boundaries,” concludes Mr. Xie. “This comprehensive installation positions the venue to attract world-class artists for generations.”