Performance and place
At the heart of the campus, and the masterplan project, is the David Josefowitz Recital Hall, a 120-seat performance and recording venue located within the tight courtyard between the Nash building and the Academy’s main Queen Anne Revival building by Sir Ernest George. With limited space available on the dense urban site, the hall was placed largely below ground, protecting it from traffic noise while preserving daylight and views for surrounding buildings. Only its arched, zinc-clad roof and acoustically glazed gable are visible at ground level.

The hall’s distinctive barrel-vaulted form gives intimate performances a strong sense of occasion. Internally, the architecture is finely crafted with a precast concrete vault, timber panelling and integrated acoustic baffles supported on an intricate steel framework. Daylight washes across the curved ceiling from the glazed gable, while evening performances are animated by theatrical lighting that draws out the warmth of the materials.

Contemporary in expression yet respectful of its historic setting, the recital hall provides a highly refined performance environment – a space that, like the instruments played within it, is meticulously tuned and ready to be played.