The dream of a concert hall in Liepāja is more than a century old. The city council decided on the necessity of a concert hall in Liepāja at the end of the 19th century in 1896.
This dream finally came to fruition in 2015 with the grand opening of the concert hall “Great Amber”. Excellent acoustics, modern architectural design and its multi-purpose functionality have attracted the attention of professionals worldwide and have resulted in several awards bestowed on the concert hall. The modern facility is appropriate not only for high quality cultural events and exhibitions, but also for conferences and corporate events.
Professionals of the field create excellence
The prominent Austrian architect, professor Volker Giencke, used the symbol found on the coast of Latvia and the Baltic Sea – amber – as the basis for the concert hall’s architectural concept. The acoustics and lighting of the concert hall were designed by world class experts in their respective fields – professor Karl Heinz Miller of Germany and Professor Christian Bartenbach of Austria.
The concert hall “Great Amber” has become a significant centre of culture and events, as well as the home of Liepāja Symphony Orchestra and Liepāja Music, Art and Design Secondary School.
Facilities for different types of activity
The concert hall’s building is eight storeys tall and has an area of 14,600 square metres. Reinforced concrete, metal and glass were used in the construction of the building. The sunny tint of the façade creates a visual association with amber, a gem that is commonly found on the beaches of Liepāja after a storm.
The largest room in the building is the Great Hall with 972 seats. It was created to accommodate musical concerts, plays and dance shows of different genres, as well as conferences and other public forums, or even events not requiring seats. The Chamber Hall seats 180. There is a café and restaurant in the concert hall, providing food services not only during events, but also on daily basis.
Tours
Liepāja Concert Hall “Great Amber” has become a symbol of Liepāja in the 21st century, highly regarded in Latvia and internationally. The grandiose building—an impressive, multifaceted jewel in the city’s skyline—is impossible to overlook. But what makes this concert hall truly exceptional is what lies inside. Guided tours offer a chance to explore the striking exterior and the rich interior.
During the tour, you will be guided through the Great Hall and other concert and art spaces, where around 400 current and future music professionals work and study daily. You’ll have the chance to step on stage and enjoy stunning panoramic views from the seventh floor. Along the way, you’ll also learn fascinating facts about Liepāja’s musical heritage, the concert hall’s development, its artistic program, and the venue’s many functions.
Both public and private tours are available. More information about the tours here.