For Chris Blair, the design of a
performance hall requires a
dynamic interplay of  architectural
exploration and acoustical
innovation. His ability to
conceptualize outside the traditional
box is a remarkable talent.
 
  Sandra Hemingway
Eisenman Architects

Chris Blair brings over 35 years of experience as an acoustic consultant to a variety of performing arts facilities worldwide. Recently completed projects under his direction include the new orchestra shell at the Eastman Theater, where he is presently consulting on the second phase of acoustical improvement to the historic performance home of the Eastman School of Music along with expanded rehearsal and practice facilities. Other project credits include the renovation of the Boston Opera House, the new 500-seat Juliet Rosch Recital Hall at the State University of New York in Fredonia and orchestra shells for the Eastern Connecticut Symphony, the Reading (PA) Symphony, and the Allentown (PA) Symphony. He led the acoustic design of a new 9000-seat multi-purpose theater in Guadalajara, México, a new 1500-seat concert hall in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a new 1500-seat opera house in Léon, México, and a new 800-seat concert hall in Ottawa, Canada.

Chris plays a supporting role in many other projects, focusing on room acoustic design, orchestra accommodations, and the development of innovative acoustic treatments. He has contributed to Akustiks' designs for the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the much-acclaimed new home of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the Copley Symphony Hall, home of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Siam Paragon Opera House. Blair often assists Music Directors and their ensembles in adapting to new or renovated acoustic environments. Drawing upon his own professional experience as a conductor, he has recently led acoustic rehearsals for major orchestras in Nashville, Oklahoma City, San Diego, and Indianapolis.

Prior to his joining Akustiks, Chris was a Senior Consultant with such distinguished firms as Artec Consultants and Jaffe Holden Scarbrough Acoustics. He made significant contributions to such world-renowned facilities as Singapore's Esplanade Performing Arts Centre, the Taegu (Korea) Opera House, Lucerne's Cultural and Congress Centre (Switzerland), the City of Culture of Galicia (Spain), and Sala São Paulo (Brazil), for which he was Artec's Lead Acoustician and Project Manager throughout the design phase. Chris earned Masters degrees in Acoustics from MIT and in Orchestral Conducting from the New England Conservatory. He subsequently served on the teaching faculties of UMASS, MIT, Brown and Yale Universities.